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ALTEMUS' YOUNG PEOPLE'S LIBRARY 


Flower Fables 

BY 

LOUISA MAY ALCOTT 

ii 


“ Pondering shadows , colors , clouds, 

Grass-buds, and caterpillar shrouds. 

Boughs on which the wild bees settle. 

Tints that spot the violet's petal." 

— Emerson’s Wood-Notes. 


WITH 34 ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PHILADELPHIA 

HENRY ALTEMUS 


IN UNIFORM STYLE 



16740 


Copiously Illustrated 


THE PILGRIM S PROGRESS 

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND 

THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS & WHAT ALICE FOUND THERE 
ROBINSON CRUSOE 

THE CHILD’S STORY OF THE BIBLE 
THE CHILD’S LIFE OF CHRIST 

LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES 
THE SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON 
THE FABLES OF jESOP 


CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS AND THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA 

m 


MOTHER GOOSE S RHYMES, JINGLES AND FAIRY TALES 
EXPLORATION AND ADVENTURE IN THE FROZEN SEAS 
THE STORY OF DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION IN AFRICA 

Gulliver’s travels 

ARABIAN NIGHTS’ ENTERTAINMENTS 
wood’s NATURAL HISTORY 

JHILD’s HISTORY OF ENGLAND, by (CHARLES DICKENS 

^LACK BEAUTY, by ANNA SEWELL * ' a j 

ANDERSEN’S FAIRY TALES 1890 . 

grimm’s fairy tales 

GRANDFATHER’S CHAIR, by NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE 
FLOWER FABLES, by LOUISA M. ALCOTT 



Price 50 Cents Each 


enry Altemus, Philadelphia 


OCT 1 4 1898 Copyright 1898 by Henry Altemus 


JWoGynta tfc.CtiVED« 


ELLEN EMERSON, 

FOR WHOM THEY WERE FANCIED, THESE 

FLOWER FABLES 

ARE INSCRIBED, BY HER FRIEND, 

The Author 


Boston , Dec. <p, 1854 









CONTENTS* 


Page. 


The Frost King, or the Power of Love 7 

Eva's Visit to Fairyland . 39 

The Flower’s Lesson 69 

Lily 'Bell and Thistledown 76 

Little Bud 130 

Clover^Blossom 151 

Little Annie's Dream, or the Fairy Flower 162 

Ripple, the Water^Spirit 180 

Fairy Song 


• * ? » * 


206 























Flower Fables* 


HE summer moon shone brightly 
down upon the sleeping earth, 
while far away from mortal eyes 
danced the Fairy folk. Fire-flies 
hung in bright clusters on the 
dewy leaves, that waved in the 
cool night- wind ; and the flowers stood gazing in 
very wonder at the little Elves who lay among the 
fern-leaves, swung in the vine-boughs, sailed on 
the lake in lily cups, or danced on the mossy 
ground, to the music of the harebells, who rung 
out their merriest peal in honor of the night. 

Under the shade of the wild rose sat the Queen 
and her little Maids of Honor, beside the silvery 
mushroom where the feast was spread. 

“Now, my friends/ ’ said she, “to wile away 
the time till the bright moon goes down, let us 
each tell a tale, or relate what we have done or 
learned this day. I will begin with you, Sunny 
Lock,” added she, turning to a lovely little Elf, 
who lay among the fragrant leaves of a primrose. 



6 


Flower Fables. 


With a gay smile, “Sunny Lock” began her 
story. 

“ As I was painting the bright petals of a blue 
bell, it told me this tale.” 




The Frost King; or the Power of Love* 





|HREE little fairies sat in the fields 
eating their breakfast ; each among 
the leaves of her favorite flower, 
Daisy, Primrose, and Violet, were 
as happy as elves need be. 

The morning wind gently 
rocked them to and fro, and the sun shone warmly 
down upon the dewy grass, where butterflies 
spread their gay wings, and bees with their deep 
voices sung among the flowers ; while the little 
birds hopped merrily about to peep at them. On 
a silvery mushroom was spread the breakfast ; 
little cakes of flower-dust lay on a broad green 
leaf, beside a crimson strawberry, which, with 



8 


Flower Fables* 


sugar from the violet, and cream from the yellow 
milkweed, made a fairy meal ; and their drink was 
the dew from the flowers’ bright leaves. 

“Ah me,” sighed Primrose, throwing herself 
languidly back, “how warm the sun grows ! give 
me another piece of strawberry, ^nd then I must 
hasten away to the shadow of the ferns. But 
while I eat tell me, dear Violet, why are you 
all so sad? I have scarce seen a happy face 
since my return from Rose Land ; dear friend, 
what means it?” 

“I will tell you,” replied little Violet, the tears 
gathering in her soft eyes. “ Our good Queen is 
ever striving to keep the dear flowers from the 
power of the cruel Frost King ; many ways she 
tried, but all have failed. She has sent messen- 
gers to his court with costly gifts, but all have 
returned sick for want of sunlight, weary and sad ; 
we have watched over them, heedless of sun or 
shower, but still his dark spirits do their work, 
and we are left to weep over our blighted blos- 
soms. Thus have we striven, and in vain, and 
this night our Queen holds council for the last 
time. Therefore are we sad, Primrose, for she 



watejr vioi^^ts. 






IO 


Flower Fables* 


has toiled and cared for us, and we can do noth- 
ing to help or advise her.” 

“It is indeed a cruel thing,” replied her friend; 
“ but as we cannot help it, we must suffer patiently, 
and not let the sorrows of others disturb our hap- 
piness. But, dear sisters, see you not how high 
the sun is getting? I have my locks to curl, and 
my robe to prepare for the evening ; therefore I 
must be gone, or I shall be brown as a withered 
leaf in this warm light.” So, gathering a tiny 
mushroom for a parasol, she flew away ; Daisy 
soon followed, and Violet was left alone. 

Then she spread the table afresh, and to it 
came fearlessly the busy ant and bee, gay butter- 
fly and bird ; even the poor blind mole and 
humble worm were not forgotten ; and with gentle 
words she gave to all, while each learned some- 
thing of their kind teacher ; and the love that 
made her own heart bright shone alike on all. 

The ant and the bee learned generosity, the 
butterfly and the bird contentment, the mole and 
worm confidence in the love of others, and each 
went to their home better for the little time they 
had been with the Violet. 


The Frost King. 


ii 


Evening came, and with it troops of Elves to 
counsel their good Queen, who, seated on her 
mossy throne, looked anxiously upon the throng 
below, whose glittering wings and rustling robes 
gleamed like many-colored flowers. 

At length she rose, and amid the deep silence 
spoke thus: 

“ Dear children, let us not tire of a good work, 
hard though it may be and wearisome ; think of 
the many little hearts that in their sorrow look to 
us for help. What would the green earth be 
without its lovely flowers, and what a lonely home 
for us ! Their beauty fills our hearts with bright- 
ness, and their love with tender thoughts. Ought 
we then to leave them to die uncared for and 
alone ? They give to us their all ; ought we 
not to toil unceasingly, that they may bloom in 
peace within their quiet homes? We have tried 
to gain the love of the stern Frost King, but 
in vain ; his heart is hard as his own icy land ; 
no love can melt, no kindness bring it back 
to sunlight and to joy. How then may we 
keep our frail blossoms from his cruel spirits? 
Who will give counsel ? Who will be our mes- 


12 


Flower Fables. 


senger for the last time? Speak, my subjects.” 

Then a great murmuring arose, and many 
spoke, some for costlier gifts, some for war ; and 
the fearful counselled patience and submission. 

Long and eagerly they spoke, and their soft 
voices rose high. 

The sweet music sounded on the air, and the 
loud tones were hushed, as in wondering silence 
the Fairies waited what should come. 

Through the crowd there came a little form, a 
wreath of pure white violets lay among the bright 
locks that fell so softly round the gentle face, 
where a deep blush glowed, as, kneeling at the 
throne, little Violet said : 

“ Dear Queen, we have bent to the Frost- 
King’s power, we have borne gifts unto his 
pride, but have we gone trustingly to him and 
spoken fearlessly of his evil deeds? Have we 
shed the soft light of unwearied love around his 
cold heart, and with patient tenderness shown 
him how bright and beautiful love can make the 
darkest lot ? 

“Our messengers have gone fearfully, and with 
cold looks and courtly words offered him rich gifts, 


The Frost King. 


13 


things he cared not for, and with equal pride has 
he sent them back. 

“Then let me, the weakest of your band, go 
to him, trusting in the love I know lies hidden in 
the coldest heart. 

“ I will bear. only a garland of our fairest flow- 
ers ; these will I wind about him, and their bright 
faces, looking lovingly in his, will bring sweet 
thoughts to his dark mind, and their soft breath 
steal in like gentle words. Then, when he sees 
them fading on his breast, will he not sigh that 
their is no warmth there to keep them fresh and 
lovely? This will I do, dear Queen, and never 
leave his dreary home, till the sunlight falls on 
flowers fair as those that bloom in our own dear' 
land.” 

Silently the Queen had listened, but now, 
rising and placing her hand on little Violet’s head, 
she said, turning to the throng below : 

“We in our pride and power erred, while this, 
the weakest and lowliest of our subjects, has from 
the innocence of her own pure heart counselled us 
more wisely than the noblest of our train. All 
who will aid our brave little messenger, lift your 


14 


Flower Fables. 


wands, that we may know who will place their 
trust in the Power of Love.” 

Every fairy wand glistened in the air, as with 
silvery voices they cried, “ Love, and little Violet.” 

Then down from the throne, hand in hand 
came the Queen and Violet, and till the moon 
sank did the fairies toil, to weave a wreath of the 
fairest flowers. Tenderly they gathered them, 
with the night-dew fresh upon their leaves, and as 
they wove chanted sweet spells, and whispered 
fairy blessings on the bright messengers whom 
they sent forth to die in a dreary land, that their 
gentle kindred might bloom unharmed. 

At length it was done ; and the fair flowers lay 
glowing in the starlight, while beside them stood 
the fairies, singing to the music of the wind- 
harps : 




The Frost King, 


E are sending 
you, dear 
flowers, 

Fordi alone to 
die, 

Where your gentle sisters may 
not weep 

O’er the cold graves where 
you lie; 

But you go to bring them 
fadeless life 

In the bright homes where 
they dwell, 

And you softly smile that ’tis so 

As we sadly sing farewell. 

“ O plead with gentle word 
for us, 

And whisper tenderly 

Of generous love to that cold 
heart, 

And it will answer ye ; 



i6 


Flower Fables* 


And though you fade in a dreary home, 

Yet loving hearts will tell 
Of the joy and peace that you have given: 
Flowers, dear flowers, farewell ! ” 

The morning sun looked softly down upon the 
broad green earth, which like a mighty altar was 
sending up clouds of perfume from its breath, 
while flowers danced gayly in the summer wind, 
and birds sang their morning hymn among the 
cool green leaves. Then high above, on shining 
wings, soared a little form. The sunlight rested 
softly on the silken hair, and the winds fanned 
lovingly the bright face, and brought the sweetest 
odors to cheer her on. 

Thus went Violet through the clear air, and 
the earth looked smiling up to her, as, with the 
bright wreath folded in her arms, she flew among 
the soft, white clouds. 

On and on she went, over hill and valley, 
broad rivers and rustling woods, till the warm 
sunlight passed away, the winds grew cold, and 
the air thick with falling snow. Then far below 
she saw the Frost-King’s home. Pillars of hard, 



BRAVE ElTTEE VIOEET KNEEEING AT THE FROST-KING’S THRONE- 


2 


Flower Fables. 


gray ice supported the high, arched roof, hung 
with crystal icicles. Dreary gardens lay around, 
filled with withered flowers and bare, drooping 
trees ; while heavy clouds hung low in the dark 
sky, and a cold wind murmured sadly through the 
wintry air. 

With a beating heart Violet folded her fading 
wreath more closely to her breast, and with weary 
wings flew onward to the dreary palace. 

Here, before the closed doors, stood many 
forms with dark faces and harsh voices, who sternly 
asked the shivering little fairy why she came to 
them. 

Gently she answered, telling them her errand 
beseeching them to let her pass ere the cold wind 
blighted her frail blossoms ? Then they flung 
wide the doors, and she passed in. 

Walls of ice, carved with strange figures were 
around her ; glittering icicles hung from the high 
roof, and soft, white snow covered the hard floors. 
On a throne hung with clouds sat the Frost-King ; 
a crown of crystals bound his white locks, and a 
dark mantle wrought with delicate frost work was 
folded over his cold breast. 


The Frost King. 


J 9 


His stern face could not stay little Violet, and 
on through the long hall she went, heedless of the 
snow that gathered at her feet, and the bleak 
wind that blew around her ; while the King with 
wondering eyes looked on the golden light that 
played upon the dark walls as she passed. 

The flowers, as if they knew their part, un- 
folded their bright leaves, and poured forth their 
sweetest perfume, as, kneeling at the throne, the 
brave little Fairy said, 

“ O King of blight and sorrow, send me not 
away till I have brought back the light and joy 
that will make your dark home bright and beauti- 
ful again. Let me call back to the desolate gar- 
dens the fair forms that are gone, and their soft 
voices blessing you will bring to your breast a 
never failing joy. Cast by your icy crown and 
sceptre, and let the sunlight of love fall softly on 
your heart. 

“Then will the earth bloom again in all its 
beauty, and your dim eyes will rest only on fair 
forms, while music shall sound through these 
dreary halls, and the love of grateful hearts be 
yours. Have pity on the gentle flower-spirits, 


20 


Flower Fables. 


and do not doom them to an early death, when 
they might bloom in fadeless beauty, making us 
wiser by their gentle teachings, and the earth 
brighter by their lovely forms. These fair flow- 
ers, with the prayers of all Fairy Land, I lay 
before you ; O send me not away till they are 
answered.” 

And with tears falling thick and fast upon their 
tender leaves, Violet laid the wreath at his feet, 
while the golden light grew ever brighter as it fell 
upon the little form so humbly kneeling there. 

The King’s stern face grew milder as he gazed 
on the gentle Fairy, and the flowers seem to look 
beseechingly upon him ; while the fragrant voices 
sounded softly in his ear, telling of their dying 
sisters, and of the joy it gives to bring happiness 
to the weak and sorrowing. But he drew the 
dark mantle closer over his breast and answered 
coldly, 

“ I cannot grant your prayer, little Fairy ; it is 
my will the flowers should die. Go back to your 
Queen, and tell her that I can not yield my power 
to please these foolish flowers ?” 

Then Violet hung the wreath above the throne, 


The Frost King. 


21 


and with weary feet went forth again, out into the 
cold, dark gardens, and still the golden shadows 
followed her, and wherever they fell, flowers 
bloomed and green leaves rustled. 

Then came the Frost-Spirits, and beneath their 
cold wings the flowers died, while the Spirits bore 
Violet to a low, dark cell, saying as they left her, 
that their King was angry that she dared to stay 
when he had bid her go. 

So all alone she sat, and sad thoughts of her 
happy home came back to her, and she wept bit- 
terly. But soon came visions of the gentle flow- 
ers dying in their forest homes, and their voices 
ringing in her ear, imploring her to save them. 
Then she wept no longer, but patiently awaited 
what might come. 

Soon the golden light gleamed faintly through 
the cell, and she heard little voices calling for help, 
and high up among the heavy cobwebs hung poor 
little flies struggling to free themselves, while their 
cruel enemies sat in their nets, watching their pain. 

With her wand the Fairy broke the bands that 
held them, tenderly bound up their broken wings, 
and healed their wounds ; while they lay in the 


22 


Flower Fables* 


warm light, and feebly hummed their thanks to 
their kind deliverer. 

Then she went to the ugly brown spiders, and 
in gentle words told them, how in Fairy Land 
their kindred spun all the elfin cloth, and in re- 
turn the Fairies gave them food, and then how 
happily they lived among the cool green leaves ; 
spinning garments for their neighbors. “And 
you, too,” said she, “shall spin for me, and I will 
give you better food than helpless insects. You 
shall live in peace, and spin your delicate threads 
into a mantle for the stern King ; and I will weave 
golden threads amid the gray, that when folded 
over his cold heart gentle thoughts may enter in 
and make it their home. 

And while she gayly sung, the little weavers 
spun their silken threads, the flies on glittering 
wings flew lovingly above her head, and over all 
the golden light shone softly down. 

When the Frost-Spirits told their King, he 
greatly wondered, and often stole to look at the 
sunny little room where friends and enemies 
worked peacefully together. Still the light grew 
brighter, and floated out into the cold air, where 


The Frost King* 


2 3 


it hung like bright clouds above the dreary gar- 
dens, whence all the Spirits’ power could not drive 
it; and green leaves budded on the naked trees, 
and flowers bloomed ; but the Spirits heaped snow 
upon them, and they bowed their heads and died. 

At length the mantle was finished, and amid 
the gray threads shone golden ones, making it 
bright; and she sent it to the King, entreating 
him to wear it, for it would bring peace and love 
to dwell within his breast. 

But he scornfully threw it aside, and bade his 
Spirits take her to a colder cell, deep in the earth; 
and there with harsh words they left her. 

Still she sang gayly on, and the falling drops 
kept time so musically, that the King in his cold 
ice-halls wondered at the low, sweet sounds that 
came stealing up to him. 

Thus Violet dwelt, and each day the golden 
light grew stronger, and from among the crevices 
of the rocky walls came troops of little velvet- 
coated moles, praying that they might listen to 
the sweet music, and lie in the warm light. 

“We lead,” said they, “a dreary life in the 
cold earth; the flower roots are dead, and no soft 


24 


Flower Fables* 


dews descend for us to drink, no little seed or leaf 
can we find. Ah, good Fairy, let us be your ser- 
vants; give us but a few crumbs of your daily 
bread, and we will do all in our power to serve 
you.” 

And Violet said, “ Yes so day after day they 
labored to make a pathway through the frozen 
earth, that she might reach the roots of the 
withered flowers ; and soon, wherever through the 
dark galleries she went, the soft light fell upon the 
roots of the flowers, and they with new life, spread 
forth in the warm ground, and forced fresh sap to 
the blossoms above. Brightly they bloomed and 
danced in the soft light, and the Frost-Spirits tried 
in vain to harm them, for when they came be- 
neath the bright clouds their power to do evil left 
them. 

From his dark castle the King looked out on 
the happy flowers, which nodded gayly to him, and 
in sweet odors strove to tell him of the good little 
Spirit, who toiled so faithfully below, that they 
might live. And when turned from the brightness 
without, to his stately palace, it seemed so cold 
and dreary, that he folded Violet’s mantle round 


PRIMROSES 



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>v\fZ 






mmm 


iV.Wmwttuiiii 


« 
















26 


Flower Fables. 


him, and sat beneath the faded wreath upon his 
ice-carved throne, wondering at the strange 
warmth that came from it; till at length he bade 
his Spirits bring the little Fairy from her dismal 
prison. 

Soon they came hastening back, and prayed 
him to come and see how lovely the dark cell had 
grown. The rough floor was spread with deep 
green moss, and over wall and roof grew flowery 
vines, ’filling the air with their sweet breath ; while 
above played the clear, soft light, casting rosy 
shadows on the fragrant leaves, and beneath the 
vines stood Violet, casting crumbs to the downy 
little moles who ran fearlessly about and listened 
as she sang to them. 

When the old King saw how much fairer she 
had made the dreary cell than his palace rooms, 
gentle thoughts within whispered him to grant her 
prayer, and let the little Fairy go back to her 
friends and home. But the Frost-Spirits breathed 
upon the flowers and bid him see how frail they 
were, and useless to a King. Then the stern, 
cold thoughts came back again, and he harshly 
bid her follow him. 


The Frost King, 


27 


With a sad farewell to her little friends she 
followed him, and before the throne awaited his 
command. When the King saw how pale and 
sad the gentle face had grown, how thin her robe, 
and weak her wings, and yet how lovingly the 
golden shadows fell around her and brightened as 
they lay upon the wand, which, guided by patient 
love, had made his once desolate home so bright, 
he could not be cruel to the one who had done so 
much for him, and in kindly tone said, 

“ Little Fairy, I offer you two things, and you 
may choose between them. If I will vow never 
more to harm the flowers you may love, will you 
go back to your own people and leave me and 
my Spirits to work our will on all the other 
flowers that bloom ? The earth is broad, and we 
can find them in any land, then why ‘should you 
care what happens to their kindred if your own 
are safe? Will you do this ?” 

“ Ah 1” answered Violet sadly, “do you not 
know that beneath the flowers’ bright leaves there 
beats a little heart that loves and sorrows like our 
own ? And can I, heed'ess of their beauty, doom 
them to pain and grief, that I might save my own 


28 


Flower Fables* 


dear blossoms from the cruel foes to which I leave 
them ? Ah no ! sooner would I dwell forever in 
your darkest cell, than lose the love of those 
warm, trusting hearts.” 

“Then listen,” said the King, “to the task I 
give you. You shall raise up for me a palace 
fairer than this, and if you can work that miracle 
I will grant your prayer or lose my kingly crown. 
And now go forth, and begin your task ; my 
Spirits shall not harm you, and I will wait till it is 
done before I blight another flower.” 

Then out into the gardens went Violet with a 
heavy heart ; for she had toiled so long, her 
strength was nearly gone. But the flowers whis- 
pered their gratitude, and folded their leaves as if 
they blessed her ; and when she saw the garden 
filled with loving friends, who strove to cheer and 
thank her for her care, courage and strength re- 
turned ; and raising up thick clouds of mist, that 
hid her from the wondering flowers, alone and 
trustingly she began her work. 

As the time went by, the Frost-King feared the 
task had been too hard for the Fairy ; sounds 
were heard behind the walls of mist, bright 


The Frost King. 


29 


shadows seen to pass within, but the little voice 
was never heard. Meanwhile the golden light 
had faded from the garden, the flowers bowed 
their heads, and all was dark and cold as when 
the gentle Fairy came. 

And to the stern King this seemed more deso- 
late and sad, for he missed the warm light, the 
happy flowers, and, more than all, the gay voice 
and bright face of little Violet. So he wandered 
through his dreary palace, wondering how he had 
been content to live before without sunlight and 
love. 

And little Violet was mourned as dead in Fairy 
Land, and many tears were shed, for the gentle 
Fairy was beloved by all, from the Queen to the 
humblest flower. Sadly they watched over every 
bird and blossom which she had loved, and strove 
to be like her in kindly words and deeds. They 
wore cypress wreaths, and spoke of her as one 
whom they should never see again. 

Thus they dwelt in deepest sorrow, till one day 
there came to them an unknown messenger, 
wrapped in a dark mantle, who looked with won- 
dering eyes on the bright palace, and flower- 


3 ° 


Flower Fables. 


crowned Elves, who kindly welcomed him, and 
brought fresh dew and rosy fruit to refresh the 
weary stranger. Then he told them that he came 
from the Frost-King, who begged the Queen and 
all her subjects to come and see the palace little 
Violet had built ; for the veil of mist would soon 
be withdrawn, as she could not make a fairer 
home than the ice-castle, the King wished her 
kindred near to comfort her and to bear her 
home. And while the Elves wept, she told them 
how patiently she had toiled, how her fadeless love 
had made the dark cell bright and beautiful. 

These and many other little things he told 
them ; for little Violet had won the love of many 
of the Frost-Spirits, and even when they killed 
the flowers she had toiled so hard to bring to 
life and beauty, she spoke gentle words to 
them, and sought to teach them how beautiful 
is love. Long stayed the messenger, and deeper 
grew his wonder that the Fairy could have left 
so fair a home, to toil in the dreary palace of 
his cruel master, and suffer cold and weariness, 
to give life and joy to the weak and sorrowing. 
When the Elves promised they would come, he 


The Frost King. 31 

bade farewell to happy Fairy-Land, and flew 
sadly home. 



meaiw PRIMROSE. 


3 2 


Flower Fables* 


At last the time arrived, and out in his barren 
garden, under a canopy of dark clouds, sat the 
Frost King before the misty wall, behind which 
were heard low, sweet sounds, as of rustling trees 
and warbling birds. 

Soon through the air came many-colored troops 
of Elves. First the Queen, known by the silver 
lilies on her snowy robe and the bright crown in 
her hair, beside whom flew a band of Elves in 
crimson and gold, making sweet music on their 
flower-trumpets, while all around, with smiling 
faces and bright eyes, fluttered her loving subjects. 

On they came, like a flock of brilliant butter- 
flies, their shining wings and many-colored gar- 
ments sparkling in the dim air; and soon the 
leafless trees were gay with living flowers, and 
their sweet voices filled the gardens with music. 
Like his subjects, the King looked on the lovely 
Elves, and no longer wondered that the little 
Violet wept and longed for her home. Darker 
and more desolate seemed his stately home, and 
when the Fairies asked for flowers, he felt ashamed 
that he had none to give them. 

At length a warm wind swept through the gar- 


The Frost King* 


33 


dens, and the mist-clouds passed away, while in 
silent wonder looked the Frost King and the 
Elves upon the scene before them. 

Far as the eye could reach were tall green 
trees, whose drooping boughs made graceful 
arches, through which the golden light shone 
softly, making bright shadows on the deep green 
moss below, where the fairest flowers waved in 
the cool wind, and sang, in their low, sweet voices^ 
how beautiful is love. 

Flowering vines folded their soft leaves around 
the trees, making green pillars of their rough 
trunks. Fountains threw their bright waters to 
the roof, and flocks of silver-winged birds flew 
singing among the flowers, or brooded lovingly 
above their nests. Doves with gentle eyes cooed 
among the green leaves, snow-white clouds floated 
in the sunny sky, and the golden light, brighter 
than before, shone softly down. 

Soon through the long aisles came Violet, 
flowers and green leaves rustling as she passed. 
On she went to the Frost-King’s throne, bearing 
two crowns, one of sparkling icicles, the other of 
pure white lilies, and kneeling before him said, 

3 


34 


Flower Fables* 


“ My task is done, and, thanks to the spirits 
of earth and air, I have made as fair a home as 
Elfin hands can form. You must now decide, 
Will you be King of Flower Land, and own my 
gentle kindred for your loving friends ? Will you 
possess unfading peace and joy, and the grate- 
ful love of all the green earth’s fragrant children ? 
Then take this crown of flowers. But if you can 
find no pleasure here, go back to your own cold 
home, and dwell in solitude and darkness, where 
no ray of sunlight or of joy can enter. 

“ Send forth your Spirits to carry sorrow and 
desolation over the happy earth, and win for 
yourself the fear and hatred of those who would 
so gladly love and reverence you. Then take this 
glittering crown, hard and cold as your own heart 
will be, if you will shut out all that is bright and 
beautiful. Both are before you. Choose.” 

The old King looked at the little Fairy, and 
saw how lovingly the bright shadows gathered 
round her, as if to shield her from every harm ; 
the timid birds nestled in her bosom, and the 
flowers grew fairer as she looked upon them • 
while her gentle friends, with tears in their bright 


The Frost King* 35 

eyes, folded their hands beseechingly, and smiled 
on her. 

Kind thoughts came thronging to his mind, 
and he turned to look at the two palaces. Vio- 
let’s, so fair and beautiful, with rustling trees, 
calm, sunny skies, and happy birds and flowers, 
all created by her patient love and care. His 
own, so cold and dark and dreary, his empty 
gardens where no flowers could bloom, no green 
trees dwell, or gay birds sing, all desolate and 
dim ; and while he gazed, his own Spirits, casting 
off their dark mantles, knelt before him and 
besought him not to send them forth to blight the 
things the gentle Fairies loved so much. “We 
have served you long and faithfully,” said they, 
“ give us now our freedom, that we may learn to 
be loved by the sweet flowers we have harmed 
so long. Grant the little Fairy’s prayer, and let 
her go back to her own dear home. She has 
taught us that Love is mightier than Fear. 
Choose the Flower crown, and we will be the 
truest subjects you have ever had.” 

Then, amid a burst of wild, sweet music, the 
Frost King placed the Flower crown on his head, 


3 ^ 


Flower Fables^ 


and knelt to little Violet ; while far and near, over 
the broad green earth, sounded the voices of the 
flowers, singing their thanks to the gentle Fairy, 
and the summer wind was laden with perfumes, 
which they sent as tokens of their gratitude ; and 
wherever she went, old trees bent down to fold 
their slender branches round her, flowers laid 
their soft faces against her own, and whispered 
blessings ; even the humble moss bent over the 
little feet, and kissed them as they passed. 

The old King, surrounded by the happy Fair- 
ies, sat in Violet’s lovely home, and watched his 
icy castle melt away beneath the bright sunlight ; 
while his Spirits, cold and gloomy no longer, 
danced with the Elves, and waited on their King 
with loving eagerness. Brighter grew the golden 
light, gayer sang the birds, and the harmonious 
voices of grateful flowers sounding over the earth, 
carried new joy to all their gentle kindred. 


The Frost King. 


37 


RIGHTER shone the golden shad- 
ows ; 

On the cool wind softly came 
The low, sweet tones of happy 
flowers, 

Singing little Violet’s name. 

’Mong the green trees was it whispered, 

And the bright waves bore it on 
To the lonely forest flowers, 

Where the glad news had not gone. 

Thus the Frost King lost his kingdom, 

And his power to harm and blight; 

Violet conquered, and his cold heart 
Warmed the music, love, and light; 

And his fair home, once so dreary, 

Gay with lovely Elves and flowers, 

Brought a joy that never faded 

Through the long bright summer hours. 




38 


Flower Fables. 


Thus, by Violet’s magic power, 

All dark shadows passed away, 

And o’er the home of happy flowers 
The golden light forever lay. 

Thus the Fairy mission ended, 

And all Flower Land was taught 
The “ Power of Love,” by gentle deeds 
That little Violet wrought. 

As Sunny Lock ceased, another little Elf came 
forward; and this was the tale “Silver Wing” 
told. 




fragrant clover lay little Eva by the 
brookside, watching the bright waves, as 
they went singing by under the drooping 
flowers that grew on its banks. As she 
was wondering where the waters went, 
she heard a faint, low sound, as of far-off 
music. She thought it was the wind, but 
not a leaf was stirring, and soon through 
the rippling water came a strange little 
boat. 


40 


Flower Fables* 


It was a lily of the valley, whose tall stem 
formed the mast, while the broad leaves that rose 
from the roots, and dropped again till they 
reached the water, were filled with gay little 
Elves, who danced to the music of the silver lily- 
bells above, that rang a merry peal, and filled the 
air with their fragrant breath. 

On came the fairy boat, till it reached a moss- 
grown rock ; and here it stopped, while the Fai- 
ries rested beneath the violet leaves and sang 
with the dancing waves. 

Eva looked with wonder on their gay faces 
and bright garments, and in the joy of her heart 
sang too, and threw crimson fruit for the little 
folks to feast upon. 

They looked kindly on the child, and, after 
whispering among themselves, two little bright- 
eyed Elves flew over the shining water, and, 
lighting on the clover-blossoms, said gently, “Lit- 
tle maiden, many thanks for your kindness ; and 
our Queen bids us ask you if you will go with us 
to Fairy Land, and learn what we can teach you.” 

“Gladly would I go with you, dear Fairies,” 
said Eva, “ but I cannot sail in your little boat. 


Eva’s Visit to Fairy Land. 


4i 


See ! I can hold you in my hand, and could not 
live among you without harming your tiny king- 
dom, I am so large.” 

Then the Elves laughed gayly, as they folded 
their arms about her, saying, “You are a good 
child, dear Eva, to fear doing harm to those 
weaker than yourself You cannot hurt us now. 
Look in the water and see what we have done.” 

Eva looked into the brook, and saw a tiny 
child standing between the Elves. “ Now I can 
go with you,” said she, “ but see, I can no longer 
step from the bank to yonder stone, for the brook 
seems now like a great river, and you have not 
given me wings like yours.” 

But the Fairies took each a hand, and flew 
lightly over the stream. The Queen and her 
subjects came to meet her, and all seemed glad 
to say some kindly word of welcome to the little 
stranger. They placed a flower-crown upon her 
head, laid their soft faces against her own, and 
soon it seemed as if the gentle Elves had always 
been her friends. 

“ Now must we go home,” said the Queen, 
“and you shall go with us, little one.” 


42 


Flower Fables* 


Then there was a great bustle, as they flew 
about on shining wing, some laying cushions of 
violet leaves in the boat, others folding the 
Queen’s veil and mantle more closely round her, 
lest the falling dews should chill her. 

The cool waves’ gentle splashing against the 
boat, and the sweet chime of the lily-bells, lulled 
little Eva to sleep, and when she was woke it was 
in Fairy Land. A faint, rosy light, as of the set- 
ting sun, shone on the white pillars of the Queen’s 
palace as they passed in, and the sleeping flowers 
leaned gracefully on their dreaming beneath their 
soft green curtains. All was cool and still, and 
the Elves glided silently about, lest they should 
break their slumbers. They led Eva to a bed of 
pure white leaves, above which drooped the fra- 
grant petals of a crimson rose. 

“You can look at the bright colors till the 
light fades, and then the rose will sing you to 
sleep,” said the Elves, as they folded the* soft 
leaves about her, gently kissing her, and stole 
away. 

Long she lay watching the bright shadows, and 
listening to the song of the rose, while through 


Eva's Visit to Fairy Land* 


43 


the long night dreams of lovely things floated like 
bright clouds through her mind ; while the rose 
bent lovingly above her, and sang in the clear 
moonlight. 

With the sun rose the Fairies, and, with Eva, 
hastened away to the fountain, whose cool waters 
were soon filled with little forms, and the air ring- 
ing with happy voices, as the Elves floated in the 
blue waves among the fair lilies, or sat on the 
green moss, smoothing their bright locks, and 
wearing garlands of dewy flowers. At length 
the Queen came forth, and her subjects gath- 
ered round her and while the flowers bowed 
their heads, and the trees hushed their rustling, 
the Fairies sang their morning hymn to the Father 
of birds and blossoms, who had made the earth 
so fair a home for them. 

Then they flew away to the gardens, and soon, 
high up among the tree-tops, or under the broad 
leaves, sat the Elves in little groups, taking their 
breakfast of fruit and pure fresh dew ; while the 
bright-winged birds came fearlessly among them, 
pecking the same ripe berries, and dipping their 
little beaks in the same flower-cups, and the 


44 


Flower Fables. 


Fairies folded their arms lovingly about them, 
smoothed their soft bosoms, and gayly sang to 
them. 

“Now, little Eva,” said they, “you will see 
that Fairies are not idle, wilful Spirits, as mortals 
believe. Come, we will show you what we do.” 

They led her to a lovely room, through whose 
walls of deep green leaves the light stole softly 
in. Here lay many wounded insects, and harm- 
less little creatures, whom cruel hands had hurt; 
and pale, drooping flowers grew beside urns of 
healing herbs, from whose fresh leaves came a 
faint, sweet perfume. 

Eva wondered, but silently followed her guide, 
little Rose-Leaf, who with tender words passed 
among the delicate blossoms, pouring dew on 
their feeble roots, cheering them with her loving 
words and happy smile. 

Then she went to the insects ; first to a little 
fly who lay in a flower-leaf cradle. 

“Do you suffer much, dear Gauzy-Wing?” 
asked the Fairy. “ I will bind up your poor little 
leg, and Zephyr shall rock you to sleep.” So she 
folded the cool leaves tenderly about the poor fly, 


Eva's Visit to Fairy Land* 


45 


bathed his wings, and brought him refreshing 
drink, while he hummed his thanks, and forgot 
his pain, as Zephyr softly sung and fanned him 
with her waving wings. 

They passed on, and Eva saw beside each bed 
a Fairy, who with gentle hands and loving words 
soothed the suffering insects. At length they 
stopped beside a bee, who lay among sweet 
honeysuckle flowers, in a cool, still place, where 
the summer wind blew in, and the green leaves 
rustled pleasantly. Yet he seemed to find no 
rest, and murmured of the pain he was doomed 
to bear. “ Why must I lie here, while my kin- 
dred are out in the pleasant fields enjoying the 
sunlight and the fresh air, and cruel hands have 
doomed me to this dark place and bitter pain 
when I have done no wrong? Uncared for and 
forgotten, I must stay here among these poor 
things who think only of themselves. Come here, 
Rose-Leaf, and bind up my wounds, for I am far 
more useful than idle bird or fly.” 

Then said the Fairy, while she bathed the 
broken wing, 

“ Love-Blossom, you should not murmur. We 


46 


Flower Fables. 


may find happiness in seeking to be patient even 
while we suffer. You are not forgotten or un- 
cared for, but others need our care more than 
you, and to those who take cheerfully the pain 
and sorrow sent, do we most gladly give our 
help. You need not be idle, even though lying 
here in darkness and sorrow ; you can be taking 
from your heart all sad and discontented feelings, 
and if love and patience blossom there, you will 
be better for the lonely hours spent here. Look 
on the bed beside you ; this little dove has suffered 
far greater pain than you, and all our care can 
never ease it ; yet through the long days he hath 
lain here, not an unkind word or a repining sigh 
hath he uttered. Ah, Love-Blossom, the gentle bird 
can teach a lesson you will be wise and better for.” 

Then a faint voice whispered, “Little Rose- 
Leaf, come quickly, or I cannot thank you as I 
ought for all your loving care for me.” 

So they passed to the bed beside the discon- 
tented bee, and here upon the softest down lay 
the dove, whose eyes looked gratefully upon the 
Fairy, as she knelt beside the little couch, 
smoothed the soft white bosom, folded her arms 


Eva's Visit to Fairy Land* 


47 


about it and wept sorrowing tears, while the bird 
still whispered its gratitude and love. 

“ Dear Fairy, the fairest flowers have cheered 
me with their sweet breath, fresh dew and frag- 
rant leaves have been ready for me, gentle hands 
to tend, kindly hearts to love ; and for this I can 
only thank you and say farewell.” 

Then the quivering wings were still, and the 
patient little dove was dead; but the bee mur- 
mured no longer, and the dew from the flowers 
fell like tears around the quiet bed. 

Sadly Rose-Leaf led Eva away, saying, “ Lily- 
Bosom shall have a grave to-night beneath our 
fairest blossoms, and you shall see that gentleness 
and love are prized far above gold or beauty, here 
in Fairy Land. Gome now to the Flower Palace, 
and see the Fairy Court.” 

Beneath green arches, bright with birds and 
flowers, beside singing waves, went Eva into a 
lofty hall. The roof of pure white lilies rested on 
pillars of green clustering vines, while many-colored 
blossoms threw their bright shadows on the walls, 
as they danced below in the deep green moss, and 
their low, sweet voice sounded softly through the 


4 8 


Flower Fables. 


sunlit palace, while the rustling leaves kept time. 

Beside the throne stood Eva, and watched the 
lovely forms around her, as they stood, each little 
band in its own color, with glistening wings, and 
flower wands. 

Suddenly the music grew louder and sweeter, 
and the Fairies knelt, and bowed their heads, as 
on through the crowd of loving subjects came the 
Queen, while the air was filled with gay voices 
singing to welcome her. 

She placed the child beside her, saying, “ Little 
Eva, you shall see now how the flowers on your 
great earth bloom so brightly. A band of loving 
little gardeners go daily forth from Fairy Land, to 
tend and watch them, that no harm may befall the 
gentle spirits that dwell beneath their leaves. 
This is never known, for like all good it is unseen 
by mortal eyes, and unto only pure hearts like 
yours do we make known our secret. The hum- 
blest flower that grows is visited by our mes- 
sengers, and often blooms in fragrant beauty, 
unknown, unloved by all save Fairy friends, who 
seek to fill the spirits with all sweet and gentle 
virtues, that they may not be useless on the earth ; 


Eva's Visit to Fairy Land. 


49 


for the noblest mortals stoop to learn of flowers. 
Now, Eglantine, what have you to tell us of your 
rosy namesakes on the earth ? ” 

From a group of Elves, whose rose-wreathed 
wands showed the flower they loved, came one 
bearing a tiny urn, answering the Queen, she said : 

“ Over hill and valley they are blooming fresh 
and fair as summer sun and dew can make them. 
No drooping stem or withered leaf tell of any evil 
thought within their fragrant bosoms, and thus 
from the fairest of their race have they gathered 
this sweet dew, as a token of their gratitude to 
one whose tenderness and care have kept them 
pure and happy ; and this, the loveliest of their 
sisters, have I brought to place among the Fairy 
flowers that never pass away.” 

Eglantine laid the urn before the Queen, and 
placed the fragrant rose on the dewy moss beside 
the throne, while the murmur of approval went 
through the hall, as each elfin wand waved to the 
little Fairy who had toiled so well and faithfully, 
and could bring so fair a gift to their good 
Queen. 

Then came forth an Elf bearing a withered 

4 


5 ° 


Flower Fables* 


leaf, while her many-colored robe and purple tul- 
ips in her hair told her name and charge. 

“ Dear Queen,” she sadly said, “ I would 
gladly bring as pleasant tidings as my sister, but, 
alas ! my flowers are proud and wilful, and when 
I went to gather my little gift of colored leaves 
for royal garments, they bade me bring this with- 
ered blossom and tell you they would serve no 
longer one who will not make them Queen over 
all the other flowers. They would yield neither 
dew or honey, but proudly closed their leaves and 
bid me go.” 

“ Your task has been too hard for you,” said the 
Queen kindly, as she place the drooping flower 
in the urn Eglantine had given, “you will see 
how this dew from a sweet, pure heart will give 
new life and loveliness even to this poor faded 
one. So can you, dear Rainbow, by loving words 
and gentle teachings, bring back lost purity and 
peace to those whom pride and selfishness have 
blighted. Go once again to the proud flowers, 
and tell them when they are queen of their own 
hearts they will ask no fairer kingdom. Watch 
more tenderly than ever over them, see that they 


Eva's Visit to Fairy Land* 


5i 


lack neither dew nor air, speak lovingly to them, 
and let no unkind word or deed of theirs anger 
you. Let them see by your patient love and care 
how much fairer they might be, and when next 
you come, you will be laden with gifts from hum- 
ble, loving flowers. ” 

Thus they told what they had done, and re- 
ceived from their Queen some gentle chiding or 
loving word of praise. 

“You will be weary of this,” said little Rose- 
Leaf to Eva ; “ come now and see where we are 
taught to read the tales written on flower-leaves, 
and the sweet language of the birds, and all that 
make a Fairy heart wiser and better,” 

Then into a cheerful place they went, where 
were many groups of flowers, among whose 
leaves sat the child Elves, and learned from their 
flower-books all that Fairy hands had written 
there. Some studied how to watch the tender 
buds, when to spread them to the sunlight, and 
when to shelter them from rain ; how to guard the 
ripening seeds, and when to lay them in the warm 
earth or send them on the summer wind to far-off 
hills and valleys, where other Fairy hands would 


5 2 


Flower Fables* 


tend and cherish them, till a sisterhood of happy 
flowers spring up to beautify and gladden the 
lonely spot where they had fallen. Others 
learn to heal the wounded insects, whose frail 
limbs a breeze could shatter, and who, were it 
not for the Fairy hands, die, ere their happy 
summer life had gone. Some learned how by 
pleasant dreams to cheer and comfort mortal 
hearts, by whispered words of love to save from 
evil deeds those who had gone astray, to fill 
young hearts with gentle thoughts and pure affec- 
tions, that no sign might mar the beauty of the 
human flower ; while others, like mortal children, 
learned the Fairy alphabet. Thus the Elves 
made loving friends by care and love, and no 
evil thing could harm them, for those they helped 
to cherish and protect ever watched to shield and 
save them. 

Eva nodded to the gay little ones, as they 
peeped from among the leaves at the stranger, 
and then she listened to the Fairy lessons. Sev- 
eral tiny Elves stood on a broad leaf while the 
teacher sat among the petals of a flower that bent 







54 


Flower Fables, 


beside them, and asked questions that none but 
Fairies would care to know. 

“Twinkle, if there lay nine seeds within a 
flower-cup and the wind bore five away, how 
many would the, blossom have ?” 

“ Four,” replied the little one. 

“ Rosebud, if a cowslip opens three leaves in 
one day and four the next, how many rosy leaves 
will there be when the whole flower has bloomed ?” 

“ Seven,” sang the gay little Elf. 

“ Harebell, if a silk worm spin one yard of 
Fairy cloth in an hour, how many will it spin in a 
day.” 

“Twelve,” said the' Fairy child. 

“ Primrose, where lies Violet Island?” 

“ In the Lake of Ripples.” 

“Lilia, you may bound Rose-Land.” 

“ On the north by Ferndale, south by Sunny 
Wave River, east by the hill of Morning Clouds, 
and west by the Evening Star.” 

“Now, little ones,” said the teacher, “you go 
to your painting, that our visitor may see how we 
repair the flowers that earthly hands have injured.” 

Then Eva saw how on large, white leaves, the 


Eva's Visit to Fairy Land. 


55 


Fairies learned to imitate the lovely colors, and 
with tiny brushes to brighten the blush on the 
anemone’s cheek, to deepen the blue of the Vio- 
let’s eye, and add new light to the golden cow- 
slip. 

“You have stayed long enough,” said the 
Elves at length, “we have many things to show 
you. Come now and see what is our dearest 
work.” 

So Eva said farewell to the child Elves, and 
hastened with little Rose-Leaf to the gates. Here 
she saw many bands of Fairies, folded in dark 
mantles that mortals might not know them, who, 
with the child among them, flew away over hill 
and valley. Some went to the cottages amid the 
hills, some to the seaside to watch above the 
humble fisher folks ; but little Rose-Leaf and 
many others went into the noisy city. 

Eva wondered within herself what good the 
tiny Elves could do in this great place ; but she 
soon learned, for the Fairy band went among the 
poor and friendless, bringing pleasant dreams to 
the sick and old, sweet, tender thoughts of love and 
gentleness to the young, strength to the weak. 


56 


Flower Fables* 


and patient cheerfulness to the poor and lonely. 

Then the child wondered no longer, but deeper 
grew her love for the tender-hearted Elves, who 
left their own happy home to cheer and comfort 
those who never knew what hands had clothed 
and fed them, what hearts had given of their own 
joy, and brought such happiness to theirs. 

Long they stayed, and many a lesson little Eva 
learned ; but when she begged them to go back, 
they still led her on, saying, “ Our work is not 
yet done ; shall we leave so many sad hearts 
when we may cheer them, so many dark homes 
that we may brighten ? We must stay yet longer, 
little Eva, and you may learn yet more.” 

Then they went into a dark and lonely room, 
and where they found a pale, sad-eyed child, who 
wept bitter tears over a faded flower. 

“Ah,” sighed the little one, “it was my only 
friend, and I cherished it with all my heart’s love ; 
’twas all that made my sad life happy ; and it is 
gone.” 

Tenderly the child fastened the drooping stem, 
and placed it where the one faint ray of sunlight 
stole into the room, 


Eva's Visit to Fairy Land* 


57 


“ Do you see,” said the Elves, “ through this 
simple flower will we keep the child pure and 
stainless amid the sin and sorrow around her. 
The love of this shall lead her on through temp- 
tation and through grief, and she shall be a spirit 
of joy and consolation to the sinful and sorrow- 
ing.” 

And with busy love toiled the Elves amid the 
withered leaves, and new strength was given to 
the flower ; while, as day by day the friendless 
child watched the growing buds, deeper grew her 
love for the unseen friends who had given her one 
thing to cherish in her lonely home ; sweet, 
gentle thoughts filled her heart as she bent above 
it, and the blossom’s fragrant breath was to her a 
whispered voice of all fair and lovely things, and 
as the flower taught her, so she taught others. 

The loving Elves brought her sweet dreams 
by night, and happy thoughts by day, and as she 
grew in childlike beauty, pure and patient amid 
poverty and sorrow, the sinful were rebuked, sor- 
rowing hearts grew light, and the weak and selfish 
forgot their idle fears, when they saw her trust- 
ingly live on with none to aid or comfort her. The 


5 » 


Flower Fables* 


love she bore the tender flower kept her own 
heart innocent and bright, and the pure human 
flower was a lesson to those who looked upon it; 
and soon the gloomy house was bright with happy 
hearts, that learned of a gentle child to bear pov- 
erty and grief as she had done, to forgive those 
who brought care and wrong to them, and to seek 
for happiness in humble deeds of charity and love. 

“ Our work is done,” whispered the Elves, and 
with blessings on the two fair flowers, they flew 
away to other homes ; — to a blind old man who 
dwelt alone with none to love him, till through 
long years of darkness and of silent sorrow the 
heart within had grown dim and cold. No sun- 
light could enter at the darkened eyes, and none 
were near to whisper gentle words, to cheer and 
comfort. 

Thus he dwelt forgotten and alone, seeking to 
give no joy to others, possessing none himself. 
Life was dark and sad till the untiring Elves came 
to his dreary home, bringing sunlight and love. 
They whispered sweet words of comfort — how, if 
the darkened eyes could find no light without, 
within there might be never-failing happiness ; 


Eva’s Visit to Fairy Land* 


59 


gentle feelings and sweet, loving thoughts could 
make the heart fair, if the gloomy, selfish sorrow 
were but cast away, and all would be bright and 
beautiful. 

They brought light-hearted children, who gath- 
ered round him, making the desolate home fair 
with their young faces, and his sad heart gay 
with their sweet, childish voices. The love they 
bore he could not cast away, sunlight stole in, the 
dark thoughts passed away, and the earth was a 
pleasant home for him. 

Thus their little hands led him back to peace 
and happiness, flowers bloomed beside his door, 
and their fragrant breath brought happy thoughts 
of pleasant valleys and green hills ; birds sang to 
him, and their sweet voices woke the music in his 
soul, that never failed to calm and comfort. 
Happy sounds were heard in his once lonely 
home, and bright faces gathered round his knee, 
and listened tenderly while he strove to tell them 
all the good that gentleness and love had done 
for him. 

Still the Elves watched near, and brighter 
grew the heart as kindly thoughts and tender 


6o 


Flower Fables# 


feelings entered in, and made it their home, and 
when the old man fell asleep, above his grave 
little feet trod lightly, and loving hands laid fra 
grant flowers. 

Then went the Elves into dreary prison-houses, 
where sad hearts pined in lonely sorrow for the 
joy and freedom they had lost. To these came 
the loving band with tender words, telling of the 
peace they might yet win by patient striving and 
repentant tears, thus waking in their bosoms all 
the holy feelings and sweet affections that had 
slept so long. 

They told pleasant tales, and sang their sweet- 
est songs to cheer and gladden, while the dim 
cells grew bright with the sunlight, and fragrant 
flowers the loving Elves had brought, and by their 
gentle teachings those sad, despairing hearts 
were filled with patient hope and earnest longing 
to win back their lost innocence and joy. 

Thus to all who needed help or comfort went 
faithful Fairies, and when at length they turned 
towards Fairy Land, many were the grateful, 
happy hearts they left behind. 

Then through the summer sky, above the 


Eva's Visit to Fairy Land* 6 1 

blossoming earth, they journeyed home, happier 
for the joy they had given, wiser for the good 
they had done. 

All Fairy Land was dressed in flowers, and the 
soft wind went sighing by, laden with their fra- 
grant breath. Sweet music sounded through the 
air, and troops of Elves in their gayest robes has- 
tened to the palace where the feast was spread. 

Soon the bright hall was filled with smiling 
faces and fair forms, and little Eva, as she stood 
beside the Queen, thought she had never seen a 
sight so lovely. 

The many-colored shadows of the fairest 
flowers played on the white walls, and fountains 
sparkled in the sunlight, making music as the 
cool waves rose and fell, while two and fro with 
waving wings and joyous voices, went the smiling 
Elves, bearing fruit and honey, or fragrant gar- 
lands for each other’s hair. 

Long they feasted, gayly they sang, and Eva 
danced merrily among them, longed to be an Elf 
that she might dwell forever in so fair a home. 

At length the music ceased, and the Queen 


62 


Flower Fables* 


said, as she laid her hand on little Eva’s shining 
hair : 

“ Dear child, to-morrow we must bear you 
home, for, much as we long to keep you, it were 
wrong to bring such sorrow to your loving earthly 
friends ; therefore we will guide you to the brook- 
side, and there say farewell till you come again to 
visit us. Nay, do not weep, dear Rose-Leaf ; you 
shall watch over little Eva’s flowers, and when 
she looks at them she will think of you. Come 
now and lead her to the Fairy garden, and show 
her what we think our fairest sight. Weep no 
more, but strive to make her last hours with us 
happy as you can.” 

With gentle caresses and most tender words 
the loving Elves gathered about the child, and, 
with Rose-Leaf by her side, they led her through 
the palace, and along green, winding paths, till 
Eva saw what seemed a wall of flowers rising 
before her, while the air was filled with the most 
fragrant odors, and low, sweet music as of sing- 
ing blossoms. 

“ Where have you brought me, and what mean 
these lovely sounds ?” asked Eva. 



THERE CAME A STRANGE WX'i'GE BOAT EiEEED WITH EEVES. 



64 


Flower Fables* 


“ Look here, and you shall see,” said Rose- 
Leaf, as she bent aside the vines, “ but listen 
silently or you cannot hear.” 

Then Eva, looking through the drooping vines, 
beheld a garden filled with the loveliest flowers ; 
fair as were all the blossoms she had seen in 
Fairy Land, none were so beautiful as these. 
The rose glowed with a deeper crimson, the 
lily’s soft leaves were more purely white, the 
crocus and humble cowslip shone like sunlight, 
and the violet was blue as the sky that smiled 
above it. 

“How beautiful they are,” whispered Eva, 
“but, dear Rose-Leaf, why do you keep them 
here, and why call you this your fairest sight?” 

“Look again, and I will tell you,” answered 
the Fairy. 

Eva looked, and saw from every flower a tiny 
form come forth to welcome the Elves who all, 
save Rose-Leaf had flown above the wall, and were 
now scattering dew upon the flowers’ bright leaves 
and talking gayly with the Spirits, who gathered 
round them, and seemed full of joy that they had 
come. The child saw that each one wore the 


Eva's Visit to Fairy Land. 


65 


colors of the flower that was its home. Delicate 
and graceful were the little forms, bright the 
silken hair that fell about each lovely face; and 
Eva heard the low, sweet murmur of their silvery 
voices and the rustle of their wings. She gazed 
in silent wonder, forgetting she knew not who 
they were till the Fairy said, 

“These are the spirits of the flowers, and this 
the Fairy Home where those whose hearts were 
pure and loving on the earth come to bloom in 
fadeless beauty here, when their earthly life is 
past. The humblest flower that blooms has a 
home with us, for outward beauty is a worthless 
thing if all be not fair and sweet within. Do you 
see yonder lovely spirit singing with my sister 
Moonlight ? a clover blossom was her home, and 
she dwelt unknown, unloved ; yet patient and 
content, bearing cheerfully the sorrows sent her. 
We watched and saw how fair and sweet the 
humble flower grew, and then gladly bore her 
here, to blossom with the lily and the rose. The 
flowers’ lives are often short, for cruel hands de- 
stroy them ; therefore is it our greatest joy to 
bring them hither, where no careless foot or wintry 
5 


66 


Flower Fables* 


wind can harm them, where they bloom in quiet 
beauty, repaying our care by their love and sweet- 
est perfumes ?” 

“ I will never break another flower,” cried Eva; 
“ but let me go to them, dear Fairy ; I would 
gladly know the lovely spirits, and ask forgiveness 
for the sorrow I have caused. May I not go in ?” 

“Nay, dear Eva, you are a mortal child, and 
cannot enter here ; but I will tell them of the kind 
maiden who has learned to love them, and they 
will remember you when you have gone. Come 
now, for you have seen enough, and we must be 
away.” 

On a rosy morning cloud, surrounded by the 
loving Elves, went Eva through the sunny sky. 
The fresh wind bore them gently on, and soon 
they stood again beside the brook, whose waves 
danced brightly as if to welcome them. 

“Now, ere we say farewell,” said the Queen, 
as they gathered nearer to the child, “ tell me, 
dear Eva, what among all our Fairy gifts will 
make you happiest, and it shall be yours.” 

“You good little Fairies,” said Eva, folding 
them in her arms, for she was no longer the tiny 


Eva's Visit to Fairy Land* 


67 


child she had been in Fairy Land, “you dear good 
little Elves, what can I ask of you, who have done 
so much to make me happy, and taught me so 
many good and gentle lessons, the memory of 
which will never pass away ? I can only ask of 
you the power to be as pure and gentle as your- 
selves, as tender and loving to the weak and 
sorrowing, as untiring in kindly deeds to all. 
Grant me this gift, and you shall see that little 
Eva has not forgotten what you have taught her.” 

“The power is yours,” said the Elves, and laid 
their soft hands on her head ; we will watch over 
you in dreams, and when you would have tidings 
of us, ask the flowers in your garden, and they 
will tell you all you would know. Farewell. 
Remember Fairy Land and all your loving 
friends.” 

They clung about her tenderly, and little Rose- 
Leaf placed a flower crown on her head, whisper- 
ing softly, “When you would come to us again, 
stand by the brook-side and wave this in the air, 
and we will gladly take you to our home again. 
Farewell, dear Eva. Think of your little Rose- 
Leaf when among the flowers,” 


68 


Flower Fables. 


Long Eva watched their shining wings, and 
listened to the music of their voices as they flew 
singing home, and when at length the last little 
form had vanished among the clouds, she saw that 
all around here where the Elves had been, the 
fairest flowers had sprung up, and the lonely 
brook-side was a blooming garden. 

Thus she stood among the waving blossoms, 
with the Fairy garland in her hair, and happy feel- 
ings in her heart, better and wiser for her visit to 
Fairy Land. 

“ Now, Star-Twinkle, what have you to teach ?” 
asked the Queen. 

“ Nothing but a little song I heard the hare- 
bells singing,” replied the Fairy, and, taking her 
harp, sang, in a low, sweet voice, 




The Flower's Lesson* 

HERE grew a fragrant rose-tree 
where the brook flows, 

With two little tender buds, and 
one full rose ; 

When the sun went down to his 
bed in the west, 

The little buds leaned on the rose-mother’s breast, 
While the bright-eyed stars their long watch kept, 
And the flowers of the valley in their green 
cradles slept ; 

Then silently in odors they communed with each 
other, 

The two little buds on the bosom of their mother. 
“O sister,” said the little one, as she gazed at the 
sky, 




7o 


Flower Fables. 


“I wish that the Dew Elves, as they wander 
lightly by, 

Would bring me a star ; for they never grow dim, 

And the Father does not need them to burn 
around him. 

The shining drops of dew the Elves bring each 
day 

And place in my bosom, so soon pass away ; 

But a star would glitter brightly through the long 
summer hours 

And I should be fairer than all my sister flowers. 

That were better far than the dew-drops that fall 

On the high and the low, and come alike to all. 

I would be fair and stately, with a bright star to 
shine 

And give a queenly air to this crimson robe of 
mine.” 

And proudly she cried, “ These fire-flies shall be 

My jewels, since the stars can never come to me.” 

Just then a tiny dew-drop that hung o’er the dell 

On the breast of the bud like a soft star fell ; 

But impatiently she flung it away from her leaf, 


The Flower's Lesson* 


7i 


And it fell on her mother like a tear of grief, 
While she folded to her breast, with wilful pride, 
A glittering fire-fly that hung by her side. 
“Heed,” said the mother-rose, “daughter mine, 
Why should thou seek for beauty not thine ? 

The Father hath made thee what thou now art ; 
And what he most loveth is a sweet, pure heart. 
Then why dost thou take with such discontent 
The loving gift which He to thee hath sent? 

For the cool fresh dew will render thee far 
More lovely and sweet than the brightest star ; 
They were made for Heaven, and can never come 
to shine 

Like the fire-fly thou hast in that foolish breast of 
thine. 

O my foolish little bud, do listen to thy mother ; 
Care only for true beauty, and seek for no other. 
There will be grief and trouble in that wilful little 
heart ; 

Unfold thy leaves, my daughter, and let the fly 
depart.” 

But the proud little bud would have her own will, 


72 


Flower Fables. 


And folded the fire-fly more closely still ; 

Till the struggling insect tore open its vest 
Of purple and green, that covered her breast. 
When the sun came up, she saw with grief 
The blooming of her sister bud leaf by leaf. 

While she, once as fair and bright as the rest, 
Hung her weary head down on her wounded 
breast. 

Bright grew the sunshine, and the soft summer air 
Was filled with music of flowers singing there ; 
But faint grew the little bud with thirst and pain; 
And longed for the cool dew ; but now ’twas in 
vain. 

Then bitterly she wept for her folly and pride, 

As drooping she stood by her fair sister s side. 
Then the rose-mother leaned the weary little 
head 

On her bosom to rest, and tenderly she said : 

‘ Thou hast learned, my little bud, that, whatever 
may betide. 


The Flower's Lesson. 


73 


Thou canst win thyself no joy by passion or by 
pride. 

The loving Father sends the sunshine and the 
shower, 

That thou mayst become a perfect little flower ; 

The sweet dews to feed thee, the soft wind to 
cheer. 

And the earth as a pleasant home, while thou art 
dwelling here. 

Then shouldst thou not be grateful for all this 
kindly care, 

And strive to keep thyself most innocent and fair ? 

Then seek, my little blossom, to win humility ; 

Be fair without, be pure within, and thou wilt 
happy be. 

So when the quiet Autumn of thy fragrant life 
shall come, 

Thou mayst pass away, to bloom in the Flower 
Spirits’ home.” 

Then from the mother’s breast, where it still lay 
hid, 

Into the fading bud the dewdrop gently slid ; 


74 


Flower Fables. 


Stronger grew the little form, and happy tears fell, 
As the dew did its silent work, and the bud grew 
well, 

While the gentle rose leaned, with motherly pride, 
O’er the fair little ones that bloomed at her side. 
Night came again, and the fire-flies flew ; 

But the bud let them pass, and drank of the 
dew, 

While the soft stars shone, from the still summer 
heaven, 

On the happy little flower that had learned the 
lesson given. 

The music-loving Elves clapped their hands, as 
Star Twinkle ceased ; and the Queen placed a 
flower crown, with a gentle smile, upon the Fairy’s 
head, saying, 

“ The little bud’s lesson shall teach us how sad 
a thing is pride, and that humility alone can bring 
true happiness to flower and Fairy. You shall 
come next, Zephyr.’’ 


The Flower's Lesson. 


75 


And the little Fairy, who lay rocking to and 
fro upon a fluttering vine-leaf, thus began her 
story : 

“ As I lay resting in the bosom of a cowslip 
that bent above the brook, a little wind, tired of 
play, told me this tale of 




Lily-Bell and 

the Thistledown, 

Once upon a time, two little 
fairies went out into the world, 
to seek their fortune. Thistle- 
down was as gay and gallant a 
little Elf as ever spread a wing. His 
purple mantle, and doublet of green, 
were embroidered with the brightest 
threads, and the plume in his cap 
came always from the wing of the 
gayest butterfly. 

But he was not loved in Fairy 
Land, for, like the flower whose name 


Lily/'Bell and the Thistledown* 


77 


and colors he wore, though fair to look upon, 
many were the little thorns of cruelty and selfish- 
ness that lay concealed by his gay mantle. Many 
a gentle flower and harmless bird died by his 
hand, for he cared for himself alone, and whatever 
gave him pleasure must be his, though happy 
hearts were rendered sad, and peaceful homes 
destroyed. 

Such was Thistledown; but far different was 
his little friend, Lily-Bell. Kind, compassionate, 
and loving, wherever her gentle face was seen, 
joy and gratitude were found ; no suffering flower 
or insect, that did not love and bless the kindly 
Fairy; and thus all Elf Land looked upon her as a 
friend. 

Nor did this make her vain and heedless of 
others ; she humbly dwelt among them, seeking 
to do all the good she might ; and many a house- 
less bird and hungry insect that Thistledown had 
harmed did she feed and shelter, and in return no 
evil could befall her, for so many friends were all 
about her, seeking to repay her tenderness and 
love by their watchful care. 

She would not now have left Fairy Land, but 


78 


Flower Fables. 


to help and counsel her wild companion, Thistle- 
down, who, discontented with his quiet home, 
would seek his fortune in the great world, and she 
feared he would suffer from his own faults, for 
others would not always be as gentle and forgiv- 
ing as his kindred. So the kind little Fairy left her 
home and friends to go with him ; and thus, side 
by side, they flew beneath the bright summer sky. 

On and on, over hill and valley, they went, 
chasing the gay butterflies, or listening to the 
bees, as they flew from flower to flower like busy 
little housewives, singing as they worked ; till at 
last they reached a pleasant garden, filled with 
flowers and green, old trees. 

“ See,” cried thistledown, “ what a lovely home 
is here ; let us rest among the cool leaves, and hear 
the flowers sing, for I am sadly tired and hungry.” 

So into the quiet garden they went, and the 
winds gayly welcomed them, while the flowers 
nodded on their stems, offering their bright leaves 
for the Elves to rest upon, and fresh, sweet honey 
to refresh them. 

“ Now, dear thistle, do not harm these friendly 
blossoms,” said Lily-Bell; “see how kindly they 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown, 


79 



spread their leaves, and offer us their dew. It 
would be very wrong in you to repay their care 


with cruelty and pain. You will be tender for my 
sake, dear Thistle.” 


8o 


Flower Fables* 


Then she went among the flowers, and they 
bent lovingly before her, and laid their soft leaves 
against her little face, that she might see how glad 
they were to welcome one so good and gentle, and 
kindly offered their dew and honey to the weary 
little Fairy, who sat among their fragrant petals 
and looked smilingly on the happy blossoms, who, 
with their soft, low voices, sang her to sleep. 

While Lily-Bell lay dreaming among the rose- 
leaves, Thistledown went wandering through the 
garden. First he robbed the bees of their honey, 
and rudely shook the little flowers, that he might 
get the dew they had gathered to bathe their buds 
in. Then he chased the bright winged flies, and 
wounded them with the sharp thorn he carried for 
a sword ; he broke the spider’s shining webs, 
lamed the birds, and soon wherever he passed lay 
wounded insects and drooping flowers ; while the 
winds carried the tidings over the garden, and bird 
and blossom looked upon him as an evil spirit, 
and fled away or closed their leaves, lest he 
should harm them. 

Thus he went, leaving sorrow and pain behind 
him, till he came to the roses where Lily-Bell lay 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown. 


8 


sleeping. There, weary of his cruel sport, he 
stayed to rest beneath a graceful rose-tree, where 
grew one blooming flower arid a tiny bud. 

“Why are you so slow in blooming, little 
one? You are too old to be rocked in your green 
cradle longer, and should be out among your 
sister flowers,” said Thistle, as he lay idly in the 
shadow of the tree. 

“My little bud is not yet strong enough to 
venture forth,” replied the rose, as she bent 
fondly over it ; “the sunlight and the rain would 
blight her tender form, were she to blossom now, 
but soon she will be fit to bear them ; till then 
she is content to rest beside her mother, and to 
wait.” 

“You silly flower,” said Thistledown, “see 
how quickly I will make you bloom ! your waiting 
is useless.” And speaking thus, he pulled rudely 
apart the folded leaves, and laid them open to 
the sun and air ; while the rose mother implored 
the cruel Fairy to leave her little bud untouched. 

“It is my first, my only one,” said she, “and 
I have watched over it with such care, hoping it 
would soon bloom beside me ; and now you have 
6 


82 


Flower Fables* 


destroyed it. How could you have harmed the 
little helpless one, that never did aught to injure 
you ? ” And while her tears fell like summer 
rain, she drooped in grief above her little bud, 
and sadly watched it fading in the sunlight ; but 
the Thistledown, heedless of the sorrow he had 
given, spread his wings and flew away. 

Soon the sky grew dark, and heavy drops 
began to fall. Then Thistle hastened to the lily, 
for her cup was deep, and the white leaves fell 
like curtains over the fragrant bed ; he was a 
dainty little Elf, and could not sleep among the 
clovers and bright buttercups. But when he 
asked the flower to unfold her leaves and take 
him in, she turned her pale, soft face away, 
and answered sadly, “I must shield my little 
drooping sisters whom you have harmed, and 
cannot let you in.” 

Then Thistle was very angry, and turned to 
find shelter among the stately roses ; but they 
showed their sharp thorns, and, while their rosy 
faces glowed with anger, told him to begone, or 
they would repay him for the wrong he had 
done their gentle kindred. 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown* 


83 


He would have stayed to harm them, but the 
rain fell fast, and he hurried away, saying, “The 
tulips will take me in, for I have praised their 
beauty, and they are vain, foolish flowers.” 

But when he came, all wet and cold, praying 
for shelter among their thick leaves, they only 
laughed, and said scornfully, “We know you, and 
will not let you in, for you are false and cruel, and 
will only bring us sorrow. You need not come 
to us for another mantle, when the rain has 
spoiled your fine one ; and do not stay here, or 
we will do you harm.” 

Then they waved their broad leaves stormily, 
and scattered the heavy drops on his dripping 
garments. 

“ Now must I go to the humble daisies and 
blue violets,” said Thistle, “ they will be glad to 
let in so fine a Fairy, and I shall die in this cold 
wind and rain.” 

So away he flew, as fast as his heavy wings 
would bear hfm, to the daisies ; but they nodded 
their heads wisely, and closed their leaves yet 
closer, saying sharply, 

“Go away with yourself, and do not imagine 


8 4 


Flower Fables. 


that we will open our leaves to you, and spoil our 
seeds by letting in the rain. It serves you rightly; 
to gain our love and confidence, and repay it by 
such cruelty! You will find no shelter here for 
one whose careless hand wounded our little friend 
Violet, and broke the truest heart that ever beat 
in a flower’s breast. We are very angry with 
you, wicked Fairy; go away and hide yourself.” 

“Ah,” cried the shivering Elf, “where can I 
find shelter ? I will go to the violets : they will 
forgive me and take me in.” 

But the daisies had spoken truly ; the gentle 
little flower was dead, and her blue-eyed sisters 
were weeping over her faded leaves. 

“ Now I have no friends,” sighed poor Thistle 
down, “and must die of cold. Ah, if I had but 
minded Lily-Bell, I might be dreaming beneath 
some flower’s leaves.” 

“ Others can forgive and love, beside Lily-Bell 
and Violet,” said a faint, sweet voice ; “ I have no 
little bud to shelter now, and you can enter here.” 
It was the rose mother that spoke, and Thistle 
saw how pale the bright leaves had grown, and 
how the slender stem was bowed. Grieved, 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown. 85 

ashamed, and wondering at the flower’s forgiving 
words, he laid his weary head on the bosom he 
had filled with sorrow, and the fragrant leaves 
were folded carefully about him. 

But he could find no rest. The rose strove to 
comfort him ; but when she fancied he was sleep- 
ing, thoughts of her lost bud stole in, and the little 
heart beat so sadly where he lay, that no sleep 
came ; while the bitter tears he had caused to 
flow fell more coldly on him than the rain without. 
Then he heard the other flowers whispering among 
themselves of his cruelty, and the sorrow he had 
brought to their happy home ; and many won- 
dered how the rose, who had suffered most, could 
yet forgive and shelter him. 

“Never could I forgive one who had robbed 
me of my children. I could bow my head and 
die, but could give no happiness to one who had 
taken all my own,” said Hyacinth, bending fondly 
over the little ones that blossomed by her side. 

“ Dear Violet is not the only one that will leave 
us,” sobbed Mignonette; “the rose mother will 
fade like her little bud, and we shall lose our gen- 
tlest teacher. Her last lesson is forgiveness ; let 


86 


Flower Fables* 


us show our love for her, and the gentle stranger 
Lily-Bell, by allowing no unkind word or thought 
of him who brought us all this grief.” 

The angry words were hushed, and through 
the long night nothing was heard but the drop- 
ping of the rain, and the low sighs of the rose. 

Soon the sunlight came again, and with it Lily- 
Bell ; but he was ashamed, and stole away. 

When the flowers told their sorrow to kind- 
hearted Lily-Bell, she wept bitterly at the pain her 
friend had given, and with loving words strove to 
comfort those whom he had grieved ; with gentle 
care she healed the wounded birds, and watched 
above the flowers he had harmed, bringing each 
day dew and sunlight to refresh and strengthen, 
till all were well again ; and though sorrowing for 
their dead friends, still they forgave Thistle for the 
sake of her who had done so much for them. 
Thus, ere long, buds fairer than that she had lost 
lay on the rose mother s breast, and for all she 
had suffered she was well repaid by the love of 
Lily-Bell and her sister flowers. 

And when bird, bee, and blossom were strong 
and fair again the gentle Fairy said farewell, and 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown* 


87 


flew away to seek her friend, leaving behind 
many grateful hearts, who owed their joy and life 
to her. 

Meanwhile, over hill and dale went Thistle- 
down, and for a time was kind and gentle to 
every living thing. He missed sadly the little 
friend who had left her happy home to watch 
over him, but he was too proud to his own fault, 
and so went on, hoping she would find him. 

One day he fell asleep, and when he awoke 
the sun had set, and the dew began to fall ; the 
flower-cups were closed, and he had nowhere to 
go, till a friendly little bee, belated by his heavy 
load of honey, bid the weary Fairy come with 
him. 

“Help me to bear my honey home, and you 
can stay with us to-night,” he kindly said. 

So the Thistle gladly went with him, and soon 
they came to a pleasant garden, where among 
the fairest flowers stood the hive, covered with 
vines and overhung with blossoming trees. 
Glow-worms stood at the door to light them 
home, and as they passed in, the Fairy thought 
how charming it must be to dwell in such a lovely 


88 


Flower Fables. 


place. The floor of wax was pure and white as 
marble, while the walls were formed of golden 
honey-comb, and the air was fragrant with the 
breath of flowers. 

“ You cannot see our Queen to-night,” said 
the little bee, “ but I will show you a bed where 
you can rest.” 

And he led the tired Fairy to a little cell, 
where on a bed of flowers he folded his wings 
and fell asleep. 

As the first ray of sunlight stole in he was 
awakened by sweet music. It was the morning 
song of the bees. 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown. 


89 



WAKE! awake! 
for the earliest 
gleam 

Of golden sun- 
light shines 
On the rippling waves, 
that brightly flow 
Beneath the flowering 


vines. 


Awake ! awake ! for the low, sweet chant 
Of the wild-birds’ morning hymn 
Comes floating by on the fragrant air, 
Through the forest cool and dim ; 


Then spread each wing, 
And work, and sing, 


90 


Flower Fables* 


Through the long, bright sunny hours ; 

O’er the pleasant earth 
We journey forth, 

For a day among the flowers. 

Awake ! awake ! for the summer wind 
Hath bidden the blossoms unclose, 

Hath opened the violet’s soft blue eye, 

And wakened the sleeping rose. 

And lightly they wave on their slender stems 
Fragrant, and fresh, and fair, 

Waiting for us, as we singing come 
To gather our honey-dew there. 

Then spread each wing, 

And work, and sing, 

Through the long, bright sunny hours ; 

O’er the pleasant earth 
We journey forth, 

For a day among the flowers.” 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown. 


9 1 


Soon his friend came to bid him rise, as the 
Queen desired to speak with him. So, with his 
purple mantle thrown gracefully over his shoulder, 
and his little cap held respectfully in his hand, he 
followed Nimble-Wing to the great hall, where 
the Queen was being served by her pages. Some 
bore her fresh dew and honey, some fanned her 
with fragrant flower-leaves, while others scattered 
the sweetest perfumes on the air. 

“Little Fairy,” said the Queen, “you are wel- 
come to my palace ; and we will gladly have you 
stay with us, if you will obey our laws. We do 
not spend the pleasant summer days in idleness 
and pleasure, but each one labors for the happi- 
ness and good of all. If our home is beautiful, 
we have made it so by industry ; and here, as one 
large, loving family, we dwell ; no sorrow, care, or 
discord can enter in while all obey the voice of 
her who seeks to be wise and gentle Queen to 
them. If you will stay with us, we will teach you 
many things. Order, patience, industry, who can 
teach so well as they who are emblems of these 
virtues ? 

“ Our laws are few and simple. You must 


Flower Fables, 


9 * 

each day gather your share of honey, see that 
your cell is sweet and fresh, as you yourself 
must be ; rise with the sun, and with him to sleep. 
You must harm no flower in doing your work, 
nor take more than your just share of honey ; for 
they so kindly give us food, it were most cruel 
to treat them with aught save gentleness and 
gratitude. Now will you stay with us, and learn 
what even mortal seek to know, that labor brings 
true happiness ? 

And Thistle said he would stay and dwell 
with them ; for he was tired of wandering alone, 
and thought he might live here till Lily-Bell sh’ould 
come, or till he was weary of the kind-hearted 
bees. Then they took away his gay garments, 
and dressed him like themselves, in the black 
velvet cloak with golden bands across his breast. 

“ Now come with us,” they said. So forth into 
the green fields they went, and made their break- 
fast among the dewy flowers ; and then till the 
sun set they flew from bud to blossom, singing 
as they went, and Thistle for a while was happier 
than when breaking flowers and harming gentle 
birds. 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown* 


93 


But soon he grew tired of working all day in 
the sun, and longed to be free again. He could 
find no pleasure with the industrious bees, and 
sighed to be away with his idle friends, the butter- 
flies, so while the others worked he slept or 
played, and then, in haste to get his share, he tore 
the flowers, and took all they had saved for 
their own food. Nor was this all ; he told 
such pleasant tales of the life he led before he 
came to live with them, that many grew un- 
happy and discontented, and they who had before 
wished no greater joy than the love and praise 
of their kind Queen, now disobeyed and blamed 
her for all she had done to them. 

Long she bore their unkind words and deeds ; 
and when at length she found it was the ungrate- 
ful Fairy who had wrought all this trouble in her 
quiet kingdom, she strove, with sweet, forgiving 
words, to show him all the wrong he had done ; 
but he would not listen, and still went on 
destroying the happiness of those who had done 
so much for him. 

Then, when she saw that no kindness could 
touch his heart, she said ; 


94 


Flower Fables. 


“ Thistledown, we took you in, a friendless 
stranger, fed and clothed you, and made our home 
as pleasant to you as we could ; and in return for 
all our care, you have brought discontent and 
trouble to my subjects, grief and care to me. I 
cannot let my peaceful kingdom be disturbed 
by you ; therefore go and seek another home. 
You may find other friends, but none will love 
you more than we, had you been worthy of it ; so 
farewell.” And the doors of the once happy 
home he had disturbed were closed behind him. 

Then he was very angry, and determined to 
bring some great sorrow on the good Queen. So 
he sought out the idle, wilful bees, whom he had 
first made discontented, bidding them follow him, 
and win the honey the Queen had stored up for 
the winter. 

“ Let us feast and make merry in the pleasant 
summer time,” said Thistle; “winter is far off, 
why should we waste these lovely days, toiling 
to lay up the food we might enjoy now. Come, 
we will take what we have made, and think no 
more of what the Queen has said.” 

So while the industrious bees were out among 



THISTLEDOWN VISITS THE QUEEN BEE 



9 6 


Flower Fables. 


the flowers, he led the drones to the hive, and 
took possession of the honey, destroying and lay- 
ing waste the home of the kind bees ; then, fear- 
ing that in their grief and anger they might harm 
him, Thistle flew away to make new friends. 

After many wanderings, he came at length to 
a great forest, and here beside a still lake he 
stayed to rest. Delicate wood-flowers grew near 
him in the deep green moss, with drooping heads, 
as if they listened to the soft wind sighing among 
the pines. Bright-eyed birds peeped at him from 
their nests, and many-colored insects danced 
above the cool, still lake. 

“ This is a pleasant place,” said Thistle; “it 
shall be my home for a while. Come hither, blue 
dragon-fly, I would gladly make a friend of you, 
for I am all alone.” 

The dragon-fly folded his shining wings beside 
the Elf, listened to the tale he told, promised to 
befriend the lonely one, and strove to make the 
forest a happy home for him. 

So here dwelt Thistle, and many kind friends 
gathered around him, for he spoke gently to them, 
and they knew nothing of the cruel deeds he had 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown* 97 

done ; and for a while he was happy and content. 
But at length he grew weary of the gentle birds 
and wild-flowers, and sought new pleasure in de- 
stroying the beauty he was tired of ; and soon the 
friends who had so kindly welcomed him looked 
upon him as an evil spirit, and shrunk away as he 
approached. 

At length his friend the dragon-fly besought 
him to leave the quiet home he had disturbed. 
Then Thistle was very angry, and while the dragon- 
fly was sleeping among the flowers that hung 
over the lake, he led an ugly spider to the spot, 
and bade him weave his nets about the sleeping 
insect, and bind him fast. The cruel spider gladly 
obeyed the ungrateful Fairy ; and soon the poor 
fly could move neither leg nor wing. Then 
Thistle flew away through the wood, leaving sor- 
row and trouble behind him. 

He had not journeyed far before he grew 
weary, and lay down to rest. Long he slept, and 
when he awoke, and tried to rise, his hand and 
wings were bound ; while beside him stood two 
strange little figures, with dark faces and gar- 
7 


9 8 


Flower Fables* 


ments, that rustled like withered leaves ; who 
cried to him, as he tried to get free, 

“ Lie still, you naughty Fairy, you are in the 
Brownies’ power, and shall be well punished for 
your cruelty ere we let you go.” 

So poor Thistle lay sorrowfully, wondering 
what would come of it, and wishing Lily-Bell 
would come to help and comfort him ; but he had 
left her, and she could not help him now. 

Soon a troop of Brownies came rustling 
through the air, and gathered round him, while 
one wore an acorn-cup on his head, and was their 
King, said, as he stood beside the trembling 
Fairy, 

“You have done many cruel things, and 
caused much sorrow to happy hearts ; now you 
are in my power, and I shall keep you prisoner 
till you have repented. You cannot dwell on the 
earth without harming the fair things given you 
to enjoy, so you shall live alone in solitude and 
darkness, till you have learned to find happiness 
in gentle deeds, and forget yourself in giving joy 
to others. When you have learned to do this, I 
will set you free.” 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown* 


99 


Then the Brownies bore him to a high, dark 
rock, and, entering a little door, led him to a 
small cell, dimly lighted by a crevice through 
which came a single gleam of sunlight; and 
there, through — 

long, long days, 
poor Thistle sat 
alone, and gazed 
with wistful eyes 
at the little open- 
ing, longing to 
be out on the 
green earth. No 
one came to him 
but the silent 
Brownies who. 
brought him his 
daily food ; and 
with bitter tears 
he wept for Lily- 
Bell, mourning his cruelty and selfishness, seek- 
ing to do some kindly deed that might atone for 
his wrong doing. 

A little vine that grew outside his prison rock 




TOO 


Flower Fables. 


came creeping up, and looked in through the cre- 
vice, as if to cheer the lonely Fairy, who wel- 
comed it most gladly, and daily sprinkled its soft 
leaves with his small share of water, that the little 
vine might live, even if it darkened more and 
more his dim cell. 

The watchful Brownies saw this kind deed, 
and brought him fresh flowers, and many things, 
which Thistle gratefully received, though he never 
knew it was his kindness to the vine that gained 
for him these pleasures. 

Thus did poor Thistle strive to be more gentle 
and unselfish, and grew daily happier and better. 

Now while Thistledown was a captive in the 
lonely cell, Lily-Bell was seeking him far and 
wide, and sadly traced him by the sorrowing 
hearts he had left behind. 

She healed the drooping flowers, cheered the 
Queen Bee’s grief, and brought back her discon- 
tented subjects, restored the home to peace and 
order, and left them blessing her. 

Thus she journeyed on, till she reached the 
forest where Thistledown had lost his freedom. 
She unbound the starving dragon-fly, and tended 


Lily /'Bell and the Thistledown. ioi 

the wounded birds; but though all learned to 
love her, none could tell where the Brownies had 
borne her friend, till a little wind whispered by, 
and told her that a sweet voice had been heard, 
singing Fairy songs, deep in the moss-grown 
rock. 

Thus Lily-Bell went seeking through the 
forests, listening for the voice. Long she looked 
and listened in vain, when one day, as she heard 
a faint low sound of music, and soon a distant 
voice mournfully singing, 


RIGHT shines the summer sun, 
Soft is the summer air ; 
Gayly the wood birds sing, 
Flowers are blooming. 

“ But in the dark, cold rock, 

Sadly I dwell, 

Longing for thee, dear friend, 
Lily-Bell ! Lily-Bell !” 




102 


Flower Fables* 


“ Thistle, dear Thistle, where 
are you ?” joyfully cried Lily-Bell, 
as she flew from rock to rock. 
But the voice was still, and she 
would have looked in vain, had 
she not seen a little vine, whose 
green leaves fluttering to and fro 
seemed beckoning her to come, 
and as she stood among its 
flowers she sang, 

HROUGH sunlight 
and summer air 
I have sought for 
thee long, 
Guided by birds 
and flowers, 
And now by thy song. 

“ Thistledown ! Thistledown ! 
O’er hill and dell 
Hither to comfort thee 
Comes Lily-Bell.” 



LilyvBell and the Thistledown. 


103 


Then from the vine-leaves two little arms were 
stretched out to her, and Thistledown was found. 
So Lily-Bell made her home in the shadow of the 
vine, and brought such joy to Thistle, that his 
lonely cell seemed pleasanter to him than all the 
world beside, and he grew daily more like his 
gentle friend. But it did not last long, for one 
day she did not come. He watched and waited 
long, for the little face that used to peep smiling 
through the vine-leaves. He called and beckoned 
through the narrow opening, but no Lily-Bell 
answered, and he wept sadly as he thought of 
all she had done for him, and that now he could 
not go to seek and help her, for he had lost his 
freedom by his own cruel and wicked deeds. 

At last he besought the silent Brownie earn- 
estly to tell him whither she had gone. 

“O let me go to her,” prayed Thistle ; “if she 
is in sorrow I will comfort her, and show my 
gratitude for all she has done for me, dear 
Brownie, set me free, and when she is found I 
will come and be your prisoner again. I will bear 
and suffer any danger for her sake.” 

“Lily-Bell is safe,” replied the Brownie; 


104 


Flower Fables. 


“ come, you shall learn the trial that awaits 
you.” 

Then he led the wondering Fairy from his 
prison, to a group of tall, drooping ferns, beneath 
whose shade a large lily had been placed, forming 
a little tent, within which, on a couch of thick 
green moss, lay Lily-Bell in a deep sleep ; the 
sunlight stole softly in, and all was cool and still. 

“You cannot wake her,” said the Brownie, as 
Thistle folded her arms tenderly about her. “ It 
is a magic slumber, and she will not wake till you 
shall bring hither, gifts from the Earth, Air, and 
Water Spirits. ’Tis a long and weary task, for 
you have made no friends to help you, and will 
have to seek for them alone. This is a trial we 
shall give you ; and if your love for Lily-Bell be 
strong enough to keep you from all cruelty and 
selfishness, and make you kind and loving as you 
should be, she will awake to welcome you, and 
love you still more fondly than before.” 

Then Thistle, with a last look on the little 
friend he loved so well, set forth alone to his long 
task. 

The home of the Earth Spirits was the first to 


Lily ✓Bell and the Thistledown. 105 

find, and no one would tell him where to look. So 
far and wide he wandered, through gloomy forests 
and among lonely hills, with none to cheer him 
when sad and weary, none to guide him on his 
way. 

On he went, thinking of Lily-Bell, and for her 
sake bearing ali ; for in his quiet prison many 
gentle feelings and kindly thoughts had sprung 
up in his heart, and he now strove to be friends 
with all, and win for himself the love and confi- 
dence of those whom once he sought to harm and 
cruelly destroy. 

But few believed him ; for they remembered 
his false promises and evil deeds, and would not 
trust him now ; so poor Thistle found few to love 
or care for him. 

Long he wandered, and carefully he sought ; 
but could not find the Earth Spirits’ home. And 
when at length he reached the pleasant garden 
where he and Lily-Bell first parted, he said within 
himself, 

“ Here I will stay awhile, and try to win by 
kindly deeds the flowers’ forgiveness for the pain 
and sorrow I brought them long ago ; and they 


Flower Fables* 


106 


may learn to love and trust me. So, even if I 
never find the Spirits, I shall be worthier Lily- 
Bell’s affection if I strive to atone for the wrong 
I have done.” 

Then he went among the flowers, but they 
closed their leaves, and shrank away, trembling 
with fear ; while the birds fled to hide among the 
leaves as he passed. 

This grieved poor Thistle, and he longed to 
tell them how changed he had become ; but they 
would not listen. So he tried to show, by quiet 
deeds of kindness, that he meant no harm to 
them ; and soon the kind-hearted birds pitied the 
lonely Fairy, and when he came near sang cheer- 
ing songs, and dropped ripe cherries in his path, 
for he no longer broke their eggs or hurt their 
little ones. 

And when the flowers saw this, and found the 
once cruel Elf now watering and tending little 
buds, feeding hungry insects, and helping the 
busy ants to bear their heavy loads, they shared 
the pity of the birds, and longed to trust him ; 
but they dared not yet. 

He came one day, while wandering through 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown. 


107 


the garden to the little rose he had harmed so 
sadly. Many buds now bloomed beside her, and 
her soft face glowed with motherly pride, as she 
bent fondly over them. But when Thistle came 
he saw with sorrow how she bade them close their 
green curtains, and conceal themselves, for there 
was danger near ; and, drooping still more closely 
over them, she seemed to wait with trembling fear 
the cruel Fairy’s coming. 

But no rude hands tore her little ones away, 
no unkind words were spoken ; but a soft shower 
of dew fell lightly upon them, and Thistle, bend- 
ing tenderly over them said, 

“ Dear flower, forgive the sorrow I once 
brought you, and trust me now for Lily-Bell’s 
sake. Her gentleness has changed my cruelty 
to kindness, and I would gladly repay all for the 
harm I have done; but none will love and trust 
me now.” 

Then the little rose looked up, and while the 
dew-drops shone like happy tears upon her leaves, 
she said, 

“ I will love and trust you, Thistle, for you are 
indeed much changed. Make your home among 


Flower Fables. 


108 

us, and my sister flowers will soon learn to love 
you as you deserve. Not for sweet Lily-Bell’s 
sake, but for your own, will I become your friend ; 
for you are kind and gentle now, and worthy of 
our love. Look up, my little ones, there is no 
danger near ; look up, and welcome Thistle to 
our home.” 

Then the little buds raised their rosy faces, 
danced again upon their stems, and nodded kindly 
at Thistle, who smiled on them through happy 
tears, and kissed the sweet, forgiving rose, who 
loved and trusted him when most forlorn and 
friendless. 

But the other flowers wondered among them- 
selves, and Hyacinth said, 

“ If Rose-Leaf is his friend, surely we may be ; 
yet still I fear he may soon grow weary of his 
gentleness, and be again the wicked Fairy he 
once was, and we shall suffer for our kindness to 
him now.” 

“ Ah, do not doubt him !” cried warm-hearted 
little Mignonette ; “ surely some good spirit has 
changed the wicked Thistle into this good little 
Elf. See how tenderly he lifts aside the leaves 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown* 109 

that overshadow pale Harebell, and listen now 
how softly he sings as he rocks little Eglantine 
to sleep. He has done many friendly things, 
though none save Rose-Leaf has been kind to 
him, and he is very sad. 

Last night when I awoke to draw my curtains 
closer, he sat weeping in the moonlight, so bitterly, 
I longed to speak a kindly word to him. Dear 
sisters, let us trust him.” 

And they all said little Mignonette was right ; 
and, spreading wide their leaves, they bade him 
come, and drink their dew, and lie among the 
fragrant portals, striving to cheer his sorrow. 
Thistle told them all, and, after much whispering 
together, they said, 

“Yes, we will help you to find the Earth Spirits, 
for you are striving to be good, and for love of 
Lily-Bell we will do much for you.” 

So they called a little bright-eyed mole, and 
said, “ Downy-Back, we have given you a pleasant 
home among our roots, and you are a grateful 
little friend ; so will you guide dear Thistle to the 
Earth Spirits’ home ? ” 

Downy-Back said, “Yes,” and Thistle, thank- 


iio 


Flower Fables* 


ing the kindly flowers, followed his little guide, 
through long, dark galleries, deeper and deeper 
into the ground ; while the glow-worm flew be- 
fore to light the way. On they went, and after 
a while reached a path lit up by bright jewels 
hung upon the walls. Here Downy-Back, and 
Glimmer, the glow-worm, left him, saying, 

“We can lead you no farther ; you must now 
go alone, and the music of the Spirits will guide 
you to their home.” 

Then they went quickly up the winding path, 
and Thistle guided by the sweet music went on 
alone. 

He soon reached the lovely spot, whose golden 
halls were bright with jewels, which sparkled 
brightly, and threw many-colored shadows on the 
shining garments of the little Spirits, who danced 
below to the melody of soft, silvery bells. 

Long Thistle stood watching the brilliant forms 
that flashed and sparkled round him ; but he 
missed the flowers and the sunlight, and rejoiced 
that he was not an Earth Spirit. 

At last they spied him out, and, gladly wel- 
coming him, bade him join in their dance. But 


LilyvBeli and the Thistledown. 1 1 1 

Thistledown was too sad for that, and when he 
told them his story they no longer urged, but 
sought to comfort him ; and one whom they called 
little Sparkle (for her crown and robe shone with 
the brightest diamonds, said) : “You will have to 
work for us, ere you can win a gift to show the 
Brownies ; do you see those golden bells that 
make such music, as we wave them to and fro? 
We worked long and hard ere they were won, 
and you can win one of those, if you will do the 
task we give you.” 

And Thistle said, “No task will be too hard 
for me to do for dear Lily-Bell’s sake.” 

Then they led him to a strange, dark place, lit 
up with torches ; where troops of Spirits flew 
busily to and fro, among damp rocks, and through 
dark galleries that led far down into the earth. 
“What do they here?” asked Thistle. 

“I will tell you,” replied Sparkle, “for I once 
worked here myself. Some of them watch above 
the flower-roots, and keep them fresh and strong ; 
others gather the clear drops that trickle from the 
damp rocks, and from a little spring, which, grow- 
ing larger, rises to the light above, and gushes 


I 12 


Flower Fables. 


forth in some green field or lonely forest ; where 
the wild-birds come to drink, and wood-flowers 
spread their thirsty leaves above the clear, cool 
waves, as they go dancing away, carrying joy and 
freshness wherever they go. Others shape the 
bright jewels into lovely forms, and make the 
good-luck pennies which we give to mortals whom 
we love. And here you must toil till the golden 
flower is won.” 

Then Thistle went among the Spirits, and 
joined in their tasks. He tended the flower- 
roots, gathered the water-drops, and formed the 
good-luck pennies. Long and hard he worked, 
and was often sad and weary, often tempted by 
unkind and selfish thoughts ; but he thought of 
Lily-Bell, and strove to be kind and loving as she 
had been ; and soon the Spirits learned to love 
the patient Fairy, who had left his home to toil 
among them for the sake of his gentle friend. 

At length came little Sparkle to him, saying, 
“You have done enough; come now, and dance 
and feast with us, for the golden flower is won.” 

But Thistle could not stay, for half his task 
was not yet done ; and he longed for sunlight and 


Lily ✓Bell and the Thistledown. 113 

Lily-Bell. So, taking a kind farewell, he hastened 
through the torch-lit path up to the light again ; 
and, spreading his wings, flew over hill and dale 
till he reached the forest where Lily-Bell lay 
sleeping. 

It was early morning, and the rosy light shone 
brightly through the lily-leaves upon her, as 
Thistle entered, and laid his first gift at the 
Brownie King’s feet. 

“You have done well,” said he, “we hear 
good tidings of you from bird and flower, and 
you are truly seeking to repair the evil you have 
done. Take now one look at your little friend, 
and then go forth to seek from the Air Spirits 
your second gift.” 

Then Thistle said farewell again to Lily-Bell, 
and flew far and wide among the clouds, seeking 
the Air Spirits ; but though he wandered till his 
weary wings could bear him no longer, it was in 
vain. So, faint and sad, he lay down to rest on a 
broad vine-leaf, that fluttered gently in the wind; 
and as he lay, he saw beneath him the home of 
the kind bees whom he had so disturbed, and 
Lily-Bell had helped and comforted. 


Flower Fables. 


114 


“ 1 will seek to win their pardon, and show 
them that I am no longer the cruel Fairy who so 
harmed them,” thought Thistle, “and when they 
become again my friends, I will ask their help to 
find the Air Spirits ; and if I deserve it, they will 
gladly aid me on my way.” 

So he flew down into the field below, and has- 
tened busily from flower to flower, till he had filled 
a tiny blue-bell with sweet, fresh honey. Then 
he stole softly to the hive, and, placing it near the 
door, concealed himself to watch. Soon his friend 
Nimbi e-Wing came flying home, and when he spied 
the little cup, he hummed with joy, and called his 
companions around him. 

“ Surely, some good Elf has placed it here for 
us,” said they; “let us bear it to our Queen; it 
is so fresh and fragrant it will be a fit gift for 
her ;” and they joyfully took it in, little dreaming 
who had placed it there. 

So each day Thistle filled a flower- cup, and 
laid it at the door ; and each day the bees won- 
dered more and more, for many strange things 
happened. The field-flowers told of the good 
spirit who watched over them, and the birds sang 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown. 


XI 5 


of the same kind little Elf bringing soft moss for 
their nests, and food for their hungry ones ; while 
all around the hive had grown fairer since the 
Fairy came. 

But the bees never saw him, for he feared he 
had not yet done enough to win their forgiveness 
and friendship ; so he lived alone among the 
vines, daily bringing them honey, and doing 
some kindly action. 

At length, as he lay sleeping in a flower-bell, 
a little bee came wandering by, and he knew him 
for the wicked Thistle ; so he called his friends, 
and, as they flew murmuring around him he 
awoke. 

“What shall we do to you, naughty Elf?” 
said they. “You are in our power, and we will 
sting you if you are not still.” 

“ Let us close the flower-leaves around him 
and leave him here to starve,” cried one, who 
had not forgotten all the sorrow Thistle had 
caused them long ago. 

“No, no, that were very cruel, dear Buzz,” 
said little one ; “let us take him to our Queen 
and she will tell us how to show our anger for 


1 1 6 Flower Fables. 

wicked deeds he did. See how bitterly he weeps ; 
be kind to him, he will not harm us more.” 

“You good little Hum ! ” cried a kind-hearted 
robin who hopped near to listen to the bees. 
“ Dear friends, do you not know that this is the 
good little Fairy who has dwelt so quietly among 
us, watching over bird and blossom, giving joy to 
all he helps ? It is he who brings the honey-cup 
each day to you, and then goes silently away, 
that you may never know who works so faith- 
fully for you. Be kind to him, for if he has done 
wrong, he has repented of it, as you may see.” 

“ Can this be naughty Thistle?” said Nimble- 
Wing. 

“Yes, it is I,” said Thistle, “but no longer 
cruel and unkind. I have tried to win your love 
by patient industry. Ah, trust me now, and you 
shall see I am not naughty Thistle any more.” 

Then the wondering bees led him to their 
Queen, and when he had told his tale, and 
begged their forgiveness, it was gladly given ; 
and all strove to show him that he was loved and 
trusted. Then he asked if they could tell him 
where the Air Spirts dwelt, for he must not forget 


. LilyvBell and the Thistledown. 1 1 7 

dear Lily-Bell ; and to his great joy the Queen 
said, “Yes,” and bade little Hum guide Thistle to 
Cloud Land. 

Little Hum joyfully obeyed ; and Thistle fol- 
lowed him, and as he flew higher and higher 
among the soft clouds, till in the distance they 
saw a radiant light. 

“ There is their home, and I must leave you 
now, dear Thistle,” said the little bee ; and bidding 
him farewell, he flew singing back, while Thistle, 
following the light, soon found himself in the Air 
Spirits’ home. 

The sky was gold and purple like an autumn 
sunset, and long walls of brilliant clouds lay round 
him. A rosy light shone through the silvery mist 
on gleaming columns and the rainbow roof ; soft, 
fragrant winds whispered by ; and airy little forms 
were flitting to and fro. 

Long Thistle wondered at the beauty round 
him, and then he went among the shining Spirits, 
told his tale, and asked a gift. 

But they answered like the Earth Spirits. 
“ You must serve us first, and then we will gladly 
give you a robe of sunlight like our own ? ” 


Flower Fables. 


1 18 


And then they told him how they wafted 
flower seeds over the earth, to beautify and 
brighten lonely spots ; how they watched over the 
blossoms by day, and scattered dews at night, 
brought sunlight into darkened places, and soft 
winds to refresh and cheer. 

“These are the things we do,” said they, 
“ and you must aid us for a time.” 

And Thistle gladly went with the lovely Spirits ; 
by day he joined the sunlight and breeze in their 
silent work ; by night, with Star-Light and her 
sister spirits, he flew over the moon-lit earth, 
dropping cool dew upon the folded flowers, and 
bringing happy dreams to sleeping mortals. Many 
a kind deed was done, many a gentle word was 
spoken, and each day lighter grew his heart, and 
stronger his power of giving joys to others. 

At length Star-light bade him work no more, 
and gladly gave him the gift that he had won. 
Then his second task was done, and he flew gayly 
back to the green earth and slumbering Lily-Bell. 

The silvery moonlight shone upon her, as he 
came to give his second gift ; and the Brownie 
spoke more kindly than before. 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown* 119 

“ One more trial, Thistle, and she will awake. 
Go bravely forth and win your last and hardest 
gift.” 

Then with a light heart Thistle journeyed away 
to the brooks and rivers, seeking the Water 
Spirits. But he looked in vain ; till, wandering 
through the forest where the Brownie took him 
captive, he stopped beside the quiet lake. 

As he stood here he heard a sound of pain, 
and, looking in at the tall grass at his side, he 
saw the dragon-fly whose kindness he once re- 
paid by pain and sorrow, and who now lay suf- 
fering and alone. 

Thistle bent tenderly beside him, saying, 
“ Dear Flutter, do not fear me. I will gladly 
ease your pain, if you will let me; I am your 
friend, and long to show you how I grieve for all 
the wrong I did you, when you were so kind to 
me. Forgive, and let me help and comfort you.” 

Then he bound up the broken wing, and spoke 
so tenderly that Flutter doubted him no longer, 
and was his friend again. 

Day by day did Thistle watch beside him, 
making little beds of cool, fresh moss for him to 


120 


Flower Fables* 


rest upon, fanning him while he slept, and singing- 
sweet songs to cheer him when awake. And 
often when poor Flutter longed to be dancing 
once again over the blue waves, the Fairy bore 
him in his arms to the lake, and on a broad 
leaf, with a green flag for a sail, they floated 
on the still water; while the dragon-fly’s com- 
panions flew about them, playing merry games. 

At length the broken wing was well, and This- 
tle said he must again seek the Water Spirits. 
“ I can tell you where to find them,” said Flutter ; 
“you must follow yonder little brook, and it will 
lead you to the sea, where the Spirits dwell. I 
would gladly do more for you, dear Thistle, but I 
cannot, for they live beneath the waves. You 
will find some kind friend to aid you on your way ; 
and so farewell.” 

Thistle followed the little brook, as it flowed 
through field and valley, growing even larger, till 
it reached the sea. Here the wind blew freshly, 
and the great waves rolled and broke at Thistle’s 
feet, as he stood upon the shore, watching the 
billows dancing and sparkling in the sun. 

“How shall I find the Spirits in this great sea, 


LilyvBeli and the Thistledown, 


1 21 


with none to help or guide me ? Yet it is my last 
task, and for Lily-Bell’s sake I must not fear or 
falter now,” said Thistle. So he flew hither and 
thither over the sea, looking through the waves. 
Soon he saw, far below, the branches of the coral 
tree. 

“They must be here,” thought he, and, folding 
his wings, he plunged into the deep, cold sea. 
But he saw awful monsters and dark shapes that 
gathered round him ; and, trembling with fear, he 
struggled up again. 

The great waves tossed him to and fro, and 
cast him bruised and faint upon the shore. Here 
he lay weeping bitterly, till a voice beside him 
said, “ Poor little Elf, what has befallen you ? 
These rough waves are not fit playmates for so 
delicate a thing as you. Tell me your sorrow, 
and I will comfort you.” 

And Thistle, looking up, saw a white sea-bird 
at his side, who tried with friendly words to cheer 
him. So he told his wanderings, and how he 
sought the Sea Spirits. 

“ Surely, if bee and blossom do their part to 
help you, birds should aid you too,” said the Sea- 


122 


Flower Fables* 


bird. “I will call my friend, the Nautilus, and he 
will bear you safely to the Coral Palace where the 
Spirits dwell.” So, spreading his great wings, he 
flew away, and soon Thistle saw a little boat come 
dancing over the waves, and wait beside the shore 
for him. 

In he sprang. Nautilus raised his little sail to 
the wind, and the light boat glided swiftly over 
the blue sea. At last Thistle cried, “I see lovely 
arches far below ; let me go, it is the Spirits’ 
home.” 

“ Nay, close your eyes, and trust to me. I 
will bear you safely down,” said Nautilus. 

So Thistle closed his eyes, and listened to the 
murmur of the sea, as they sank slowly through 
the waves. The soft sound lulled him to sleep, 
and when he awoke the boat was gone, and he 
stood among the Water Spirits, in their strange 
and lovely home. 

Lofty arches of snow-white coral bent above 
him, and the walls of brightly tinted shells were 
wreathed with lovely sea-flowers, and the sun- 
light shining on the waves cast silvery shadows 
on the ground, where sparkling stones glowed 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown* 123 

in the sand. A cool, fresh wind swept through 
the waving garlands of bright sea-moss, and the 
distant murmur of dashing waves came softly on 
the air. Soon troops of graceful Spirits flittered 
by, and when they found the wondering Elf, they 
gathered round him, bringing pearl-shells heaped 
with precious stones, and all rare, strange gifts that 
lie beneath the sea. But Thistle wished for none 
of these, and when his tale was told, the kindly 
Spirits pitied him ; and little Pearl sighed, as she 
told him of the long and weary task he must per- 
form, ere he could win a crown of snow-white 
pearls like these they wore. But Thistle had 
gained strength and courage in his wanderings, 
and did not falter now, when they led him to a 
place among the coral-workers, and told him he 
must labor here, till the spreading branches 
reached the light air, through the waves that 
danced above. 

With a patient hope that he might yet be 
worthy of Lily-Bell, the Fairy left the lovely spirits 
and their pleasant home, to toil among the coral- 
builders, where all was strange and dim. Long, 
long, he worked ; but still the waves rolled far 


124 


Flower Fables. 


above them, and his task was not yet done ; and 
many bitter tears poor Thistle shed, and sadly he 
pined for air and sunlight, the voice of birds and 
breath of flowers. Often, folded in the magic 
garments which the Spirits gave him, that he 
might pass unharmed among the fearful crea- 
tures dwelling there, he rose to the surface of the 
sea, and, gliding through the waves, gazed long- 
ingly upon the hills, now looking blue and dim 
so far away, or watched the flocks of summer 
birds, journeying to a warmer land ; and they 
brought sad memories of green old forests, and 
sunny fields, to the lonely little Fairy floating on 
the great, wild sea. 

Day after day went by, and slowly Thistle’s 
task drew towards an end. Busily toiled the 
coral-workers, but more busily toiled he ; insect 
and Spirit daily wondered more and more, at the 
industry and patience of the silent little Elf, who 
had a friendly word for all, though he never joined 
them in their sport. 

Higher and higher grew the coral-bough^, and 
lighter grew the Fairy’s heart, while thoughts of 
dear Lily-Bell cheered him on, as day by day he 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown* 


1 2 5 


steadily toiled ; and when at length the sun shone 
on his work, and it was done, he stayed but to 
take the garland he had won, and to thank the 
good Spirits for their love and care. Then up 
through the cold, blue waves he swiftly glided, 
and, shaking the bright drops from his wings, 
soared singing up to the sunny sky. 

On through the fragrant air went Thistle, look- 
ing with glad face upon the fair, fresh earth below, 
where flowers looked smiling up, and green trees 
bowed their graceful heads as if to welcome him. 
Soon the forest where Lily-Bell lay sleeping rose 
before him, and as he passed along the cool 
wood-paths, never had they seemed so fair. 

But when, he came where his little friend had 
slept, it was no longer the dark silent spot where 
he last saw her. Garlands hung from every tree, 
and the fairest flowers filled the air with their 
sweet breath. Birds’ gay voices echoed far and 
wide, and the little brook went singing by, be- 
neath the arching ferns that bent above it ; green 
leaves rustled in the summer wind, and the air 
was full of music. But the fairest sight was Lily- 
Bell, as she lay on the couch of velvet moss that 


126 


Flower Fables. 


Fairy hands had spread. The golden flower lay 
beside her, and the glittering robe was folded 
round her little form. The warmest sunlight fell 
upon her, and the softest breezes lifted her shin- 
ing hair. 

Happy tears fell fast, as Thistle folded his 
arms around her, crying, “ O Lily-Bell, dear Lily- 
Bell, awake! I have been true to you, and now 
my task is done.” 

Then, with a smile, Lily-Bell awoke, and looked 
with wondering eyes upon the beauty that had 
risen round her. 

“ Dear Thistle, what mean these fair things, and 
why are we in this lovely place?” 

“ Listen, Lily-Bell,” said the Brownie King, as 
he appeared beside her. And then he told her 
all that Thistle had done to show his love for her ; 
how he had wandered far and wide to seek the 
Fairy gifts, and toiled long and hard to win them ; 
how he had been loving, true, and tender, when 
most lonely and forsaken. 

“ Bird, bee, and blossom have forgiven him, 
and none is more loved and trusted now by all, 
than the once cruel Thistle,” said the King, as he 


LilyvBell and the Thistledown* 127 

bent down to the happy Elf, who bowed low before 
him. 

“You have learned the beauty of a gentle, 
kindly heart, dear Thistle ; and you are now 
worthy to become the friend of her for whom you 
have done so much. Place the crown upon her 
head, for she is Queen of all the Forest Fairies 
now.” 

And as the crown showed on the head that 
Lily-Bell bent down on Thistle’s breast, the 
forest seemed alive with little forms, who sprang 
from flower and leaf, and gathered round her, 
bringing gifts for their new Queen. 

“If I am Queen, then you are King, dear 
Thistle,” said the Fairy. “Take the crown, and 
I will have a wreath of flowers. You have toiled 
and suffered for my sake, and you alone should 
rule over these little Elves whose love you have 
won.” 

“ Keep your crown, Lily- Bell, for yonder come 
the Spirits with their gifts to Thistle,” said the 
Brownie. And, as he pointed with his wand, out 
from among the mossy roots of an old tree came 
trooping the Earth Spirits, their flower-bells ring- 


28 


Flower Fables* 


in g softly as they came, and their jewelled gar- 
ments glittering in the sun. On to where This- 
tledown stood beneath the shadows of the 
flowers, with Lily-Bell beside him, went the 
Spirits ; and then forth sprang little Sparkle, 
waving a golden flower, whose silvery music filled 
the air. “ Dear Thistle,” said the shining Spirit, 
“what you toiled so faithfully to win for another, 
let us offer now as a token of our love for you.” 

As she ceased, down through the air came 
floating bands of lovely Spirits, bringing a shining 
robe, and they too told their love for the gentle 
Fairy who had dwelt with them. 

Then softly on the breeze came distant music, 
growing ever nearer, till over the rippling waves 
came the singing Water Spirits, in their boats of 
many-colored shells ; and as they placed their 
glittering crown on Thistle’s head, loud rang the 
flowers, and joyously sang the birds, while all the 
Forest Fairies cried, with silvery voices, “ Lily- 
Bell and Thistledown ! Long live our King and 
Queen !” 

“ Have you a tale for us too, dear Violet- 
Eyes ?” said the Queen as Zephyr ceased. The 


LilyvBeli and the Thistledown. 


129 


little Elf thus named looked from among the 
Flower-leaves where she sat, and with a smile 
replied, “As I was weaving garlands in the field, 
I heard a primrose tell this tale to her friend 
Golden-ROD.” 



9 



up among the green boughs, lived 
Bird Brown-Breast, and his bright- 
eyed little mate. They were now 
very happy ; their home was done, 
the four blue eggs lay in the soft 
nest, and the little wife sat still and 
patient on them, while the husband 
sang, and told her charming tales, 
and brought her sweet berries and 
little worms. 


Little Bud. 


* 3 * 

Things went smoothly on, till one day she 
found in the nest a little white egg, with a golden 
band about it. 

“My friend,” cried she, “come and see! 
Where can this fine egg have come from ? My 
four are here, and this also ; what think you of 
it ? ” 

The husband shook his head gravely, and 
said, “ Be not alarmed, my love ; it is doubtless 
some good Fairy who has given us this, and we 
shall find some gift within ; do not let us touch it, 
but do you sit carefully upon it, and we shall see 
in time what has been sent us.” 

So they said nothing about it, and soon they 
had four little chirping children ; and then the 
white egg opened, and, behold, a little maiden 
lay singing within. Then how amazed were they, 
and how they welcomed her, as she lay warm 
beneath the mother’s wing, and how the young 
birds did love her. 

Great joy was in the forest, and proud were 
the parents of their family, and still more of the 
little one who had come to them ; while all the 
neighbors flocked in, to see Dame Brown-Breast’s 


132 


Flower Fables. 


little child. And the tiny maiden talked to them, 
and sang so merrily, that they could have listened 
for ever. Soon she was the joy of the whole 
forest, dancing from tree to tree, making every 
nest her home, and none were ever so welcome 
as little Bud ; and so they lived right merrily in 
the green old forest. 

The father now had much to do to supply his 
family with food, and choice morsels did he bring 
little Bud. The wild fruits were her food, the 
fresh dew in the flower-cups her drink ; while the 
green leaves served her for little robes ; and thus 
she found garments in the flowers of the field, 
and a happy home with Mother Brown-Breast ; and 
all in the wood, from the stately trees to the little 
mosses in the turf, were friends to the merry child. 

And each day she taught the young birds sweet 
songs, and as their gay music ran through the old 
forest, the stern, dark pines ceased their solemn 
waving, that they might hear the soft sounds 
stealing through the dim-wood paths, and mortal 
children came to listen, saying softly, “ Hear the 
flowers sing, and touch them not, for the Fairies 
are here.” 


Little Bud* 


133 


Then came a band of sad little Elves to Bud, 
praying that they might hear the sweet music, and 
when she took them by the hand, and spoke gently 
to them, they wept and said sadly, when she asked 
them whence they came, — 

“We dwelt once in Fairy Land, and O how 
happy we were then ! But alas ! we were not 
worthy of so fair a home, and were sent forth into 
the cold world. Look at our robes, they are like 
the withered leaves ; our wings are dim, our 
crowns are gone, and we lead sad, lonely lives in 
this dark forest. Let us stay with you ; your gay 
music sounds like Fairy songs, and you have such 
a friendly way with you, and speak so gently to us. 
It is good to be near one so lovely and so kind ; and 
you can tell us how we may again become fair and 
innocent. Say we may stay with you, kind little 
maiden.” 

And Bud said, “Yes,” and they stayed; but 
her kind little heart was grieved that they wept 
so sadly, and all she could say could not make 
them happy ; till at last she said, — 

“ Do not weep, and I will go to Queen Dew- 
Drop, and beseech her to let you come back. I 


*34 


Flower Fables. 


will tell her that you are repentant, and will do any- 
thing to gain her love again ; that you are sad, 
and long to be forgiven. This will I say, and 
more, and trust she will grant my prayer.” 

“She will not say no to you, dear Bud,” said 
the poor little Fairies ; “ she will love you as we 
do, and if we can but come again to our lost 
home, we cannot give you thanks enough. Go, 
Bud, and if there be power in Fairy gifts, you 
shall be as happy as our hearts’ love can make 
you.” 

The tidings of Bud’s departure flew through 
the forest, and all her friends came to say fare- 
well, as with the morning sun she would go ; and 
each brought some little gift, for the land of 
Fairies was far way, and she must journey long. 

“Nay, you shall not go on your feet, my 
child,” said Mother Brown-Breast; “your friend 
Golden- Wing shall carry you. Call him hither, 
that I may seat you rightly, for if you should fall 
off, my heart would break.” 

Then up came Golden-Wing, and Bud was 
safely seated on the cushion of violet leaves ; and 
it was really charming to see her merry little face, 


Little Bud. 


i35 


peeping from under the broad brim of her cow- 
slip hat, as her butterfly steed stood waving his 
bright wings in the sunlight. Then came the bee 
with his yellow honey-bags, which he begged she 
would take, and a little brown spider that lived 
under the great leaves brought a veil for her hat, 
and besought her to wear it, lest the sun should 
shine too brightly ; while the ant came bringing a 
tiny strawberry, lest she should miss her favorite 
fruit. The mother gave her good advice, and the 
papa stood with his head on one side, and his 
round eyes twinkling with delight, to think that 
his little Bud was going to Fairy Land. 

Then they all sang gayly together, till she 
passed out of sight over the hills, and they saw 
her no more. 

And now Bud left the old forest far behind 
her. Golden- Wing bore her swiftly along, and 
she looked down on the green mountains and the 
peasants’ cottages, that stood among over-shadow- 
ing trees ; and the earth looked bright, with its 
broad, blue rivers winding through soft meadows, 
the singing of birds, and flowers, who kept their 
bright eyes ever on the sky. 


136 


Flower Fables. 


And she sang gayly as they floated in the clear 
air, while her friend kept time with his waving 
wings, and ever as they went along all grew 
fairer ; and thus they came to Fairy Land. 

As Bud passed through the gates, she no 
longer wondered that the exiled Fairies wept and 
sorrowed for the lovely home they had lost. 
Bright clouds floated in the sunny sky, casting a 
rainbow light on the Fairy palaces below, where 
the Elves were dancing ; while the low, sweet 
voices of the singing flowers sounded softly 
through the fragrant air, and mingled with the 
music of the rippling waves, as they flowed on 
beneath the blossoming vines that drooped above 
them. 

All was bright and beautiful ; but kind little 
Bud would not linger, for the forms of the weep- 
ing Fairies were before her, and though the blos- 
soms nodded gayly on their stems to welcome 
her, and the soft winds kissed her cheek, she 
would not stay, but on to the Flower Palace she 
went, into a pleasant hall whose walls were formed 
of crimson roses, amid whose leaves sat little 
Elves, making sweet music on their harps. 



I,ITTI,E BUD STARTS FOR FAIRYLAND. 




Flower Fables* 


138 


When they saw Bud, they gathered round her, 
and led her through the flower-wreathed arches to 
a group of the most beautiful Fairies, who were 
gathered about a stately lily, in whose fragrant 
cup sat one whose purple robe and glittering 
crown told she was their Queen. 

Bud knelt before her, and, while tears streamed 
down her little face, she told her errand, and 
pleaded earnestly that the exiled Fairies might be 
forgiven, and not be left to pine far from their 
friends and kindred. And as she prayed, many 
wept with her, and when she ceased, and waited 
for her answer, many knelt beside her, praying 
forgiveness for the unhappy Elves. 

With tearful eyes, Queen Dew-Drop replied, 
“ Little Maiden, your prayer has softened my 
heart. They shall not be left sorrowing and 
alone, nor shall you go back without a kindly 
word to cheer and comfort them. We shall par- 
don their fault, and when they can bring hither a 
perfect Fairy crown, robe and wand, they shall 
again be received as children of their loving 
Queen The task is hard, for none but the best 
and purest can form the Fairy garments ; yet with 


Little Bud. 


1 39 


patience they may yet restore their robes to their 
former brightness. Farewell, good little maiden ; 
come with them, for but you they would have 
dwelt forever without the walls of Fairy Land.” 

“ Good speed to you, and farewell,” cried they 
all, as, with loving messages to their poor friends, 
they bore her to the gates. 

Day after day toiled little Bud, cheering the 
Fairies, who, angry and disappointed, would not 
listen to her gentle words, but turned away and 
sat alone weeping. They grieved her kind heart 
with many cruel words ; but patiently she bore 
them, and when they told her they could never 
perform so hard a task, and must dwell forever in 
the dark forest, she answered gently, that the 
snow-white lily must be planted, and watered 
with repentant tears, before the robe of innocence 
could be worn ; that the sun of love must shine in 
their hearts, before the light could return to their 
dim crowns, and deeds of kindness must be per- 
formed, ere the power would come again to their 
now useless wands. 

Then they planted the lilies; but they soon 
drooped and died, and no light came to their 


140 


Flower Fables. 


crowns. They did no gentle deeds, but cared 
only for themselves ; and when they found their 
labor was in vain, they tried no longer, but sat 
weeping. Bud, with ceaseless toil and patient 
care, tended the lilies, which bloomed brightly, the 
crowns grew bright, and in her hands the wands 
had power over birds and blossoms, forgetful of 
herself. And the idle Fairies, with thankful 
words, took the garments from her, and then Bud 
went forth to Fairy Land, and stood with beating 
hearts before the gates, where crowds of Fairy 
friends came forth to welcome them. 

But when Queen Dew-Drop touched them 
with her wand, as they passed in, the light faded 
from their crowns, their robes became like with- 
ered leaves, and the wands were powerless. 

Amid the tears of all the Fairies, the Queen 
led them to the gates, and said, 

“ Farewell ! It is not in my power to aid you ; 
innocence and love are not within your hearts, 
and were it not for this untiring little maiden, 
who has toiled while you have wept, you would 
never have entered your lost home. Go and 


Little Bud* 


141 

strive again, for till all is once more fair and pure, 
I cannot call you mine.” 

“ Farewell !” sang the weeping Fairies, as the 
gates closed on their outcast friends, who, humbled 
and broken hearted, gathered around Bud ; and she, 
with cheering words, guided them back to the forest. 

Time passed on, and the Fairies had done 
nothing to gain their lovely home again. They 
wept no longer, but watched little Bud, as she 
daily tended the flowers, restoring their strength 
and beauty, or with gentle words flew from nest 
to nest, teaching the little birds to live happily 
together ; and wherever she went blessings fell, 
and loving hearts filled with gratitude. 

Then, one by one, the Elves secretly did some 
little work of kindness, and found a quiet joy 
come back to repay them. Flowers looked lov- 
ingly up as they passed, birds sang to cheer them 
when sad thoughts made them weep. And soon 
little Bud found out their gentle deeds, and her 
friendly words gave them new strength. So day 
after day they followed her, and like a band of 
guardian spirits they flew far and wide, carrying 
with them joy and peace, 


142 


Flower Fables. 


And not only the birds and flowers blessed 
them, but human beings also ; for with tender 
hands they guided little children from danger, and 
kept their young hearts free from evil thoughts ; 
they whispered soothing words to the sick, and 
brought sweet odors and fair flowers to their 
lonely rooms. They sent lovely visions to the old 
and blind, to make their hearts young and bright 
with happy thoughts. 

But most tenderly did they watch over the 
poor and sorrowing, and many a poor mother 
blessed the unseen hands that laid food before 
her hungry little ones, and folded warm garments 
around their naked limbs. Many a poor man 
wondered at the fair flowers that sprang up in his 
little garden-plot, cheering him with their bright 
forms, and making his dreary home fair with 
loveliness, and looked at his once barren field, 
where now waved the golden corn, turning its 
broad leaves to the warm sun, and promising a 
store of golden ears to give him food ; while the 
care-worn face grew bright and the troubled heart 
filled with gratitude towards the invisible spirits 
who had brought him such joy. 


Little Bud. 


*43 

Thus time passed on, and though the exiled 
Fairies longed often for their home, still, knowing 
they did not deserve it, they toiled on, hoping 
one day to see the friends they had lost ; while 
the joy of their own hearts made their life full of 
happiness. 

One day came little Bud to them saying : 

“Listen, dear friends. I have a hard task to 
offer you. It is a great sacrifice for you light- 
loving Fairies to dwell through the long winter 
in the dark, cold earth, watching over flower- 
roots, to keep them free from the little grubs and 
worms that seek to harm them. But in the sunny 
Spring when they bloom again, their love and 
gratitude will give you happy homes among their 
bright leaves. 

“It is a wearisome task, and I can give you no 
reward for all your tender care, but the blessings 
of the gentle flowers you have saved from death. 
Gladly would I aid you ; but my winged friends 
are preparing for their journey to warmer islands, 
and I must teach their little ones to fly, and see 
them safely on their way. Then, through the 
winter must I seek the dwellings of the poor and 


144 


Flower Fables* 


suffering, comfort the sick and lonely, and give 
hope and courage to those who in poverty are led 
astray. These things must I do ; but when the 
flowers bloom again I will be with you, to wel- 
come back our friends from over the sea.” 

Then with tears, the Fairies answered, “Ah, 
good little Bud, you have taken the hardest task 
yourself, and who will repay you for all your 
deeds of tenderness and mercy in the great 
world? Should evil befall you, our hearts would 
break. We will labor trustingly in the earth, and 
thoughts of you shall cheer us ; for without you 
we had been worthless beings, and never known 
the joy that kindly actions bring. Yes, dear Bud, 
we will gladly toil among the roots, that the fair 
flowers may wear their gayest robes to welcome 
you. 

Then deep in the earth the Fairies dwelt, and 
no frost or snow could harm the blossoms they 
tended. Every little seed was laid in the soft 
earth, watered, and watched. Tender roots were 
folded in withered leaves, that no chilling drops 
might reach them ; and safely dreamed the flow- 
ers, till summer winds should call them forth ; 


Little Bud* 


145 

while lighter grew each Fairy heart, as every 
gentle deed was tenderly performed. 

At length the snow was gone, and they heard 
little voices calling them to come up ; but pa- 
tiently they worked, till seed and root were green 
and strong. Then, with eager feet, they hastened 
to the earth above, where, over hill and valley, 
bright flowers and budding trees smiled in the 
warm sunlight, blossoms bent lovingly before 
them, and rang their colored bells, till the fra- 
grant air was full of music ; while the stately trees 
waved their great arms above them, and scattered 
soft leaves at their feet. 

Then came the merry birds, making this wood 
alive with gay voices, calling to one another, as 
they flew among the vines, building their little 
homes. Long waited the Elves, and at last she 
came with Father Brown-Breast. 

Happy days passed ; and summer flowers 
were in their fullest beauty, when Bud bade the 
Fairies come with her. 

Mounted on bright-winged butterflies, they 
flew over forest and meadow, till with joyful eyes 
they saw the flower-crowned walls of Fairy Land. 


10 


146 


Flower Fables. 


Before the gates they stood, and soon troops 
of loving Elves came forth to meet them. And 
on through the sunny gardens they went, into the 
lily Hall, where, among the golden stamens of a 
graceful flower, sat the Queen ; while on the 
broad, green leaves around it stood the bright- 
eyed little maids of honor. 

Then, amid the deep silence, little Bud, lead- 
ing the Fairies to the throne, said, 

“ Dear Queen, I here bring back your sub- 
jects, wiser for their sorrow, better for their hard 
trial ; and now might any Queen be proud of them, 
and bow to learn from them that giving joy and 
peace to others brings it fourfold to us, bearing a 
double happiness in the blessings to those we 
help. Through the dreary months, when they 
might have dwelt among fair southern flowers, 
beneath a smiling sky, they toiled in the dark and 
silent earth, filling the hearts of the gentle Flower 
Spirits with grateful love, seeking no reward but 
the knowledge of their own good deeds, and the 
joy they always bring. This they have done un- 
murmuringly and alone ; and now, far and wide, 
flower blessings fall upon them, and the summer 


Little Bud. 


147 

winds bear the glad tidings unto those who droop 
in sorrow, and new joy and strength it brings, as 
they look lovingly for the friends whose gentle 
care hath brought happiness to their fair kindred. 

“Are they not worthy of your love, dear 
Queen? Have they not won their lovely home? 
Say they are pardoned, and you have gained the 
love of their hearts pure as the snow-white robes 
now folded over them.” 

As bud ceased, she touched the wondering 
Fairies with her wand, and the dark faded gar- 
ments fell away; and beneath, the robes of lily- 
leaves glittered pure and spotless in the sunlight. 
Then, while happy tears fell, Queen Dew-Drop 
placed the bright crowns on the bowed heads of 
the kneeling Fairies, and laid before them the 
wands their own good deeds had rendered power- 
ful. 

They turned to thank little Bud for all her 
patient love, but she was gone ; and high above, 
in the clear air, they saw the little form journey- 
ing back to the quiet forest. 

She needed no reward but the joy she had 
given. The Fairy hearts were pure again, and 


148 


Flower Fables, 


her work was done ; yet all Fairy Land had 
learned a lesson from gentle little Bud. 

“ Now, little Sunbeam, what have you to tell 
us?” said the Queen, looking down on a bright- 
eyed Elf, who sat half hidden in the deep moss at 
her feet. 

“I too, like Star-Twinkle, have nothing but a 
song to offer,” replied the Fairy ; and then while 
the nightingale’s sweet voice mingled with her 
own, she sang, 




Clover-Blossom, 

N the quiet, pleasant meadow, 
Beneath a summer sky, 

Where green old trees their 
branches waved, 

And winds went singing by ; 
Where a little brook went rippling 
So musically low, 

And passing clouds cast shadows 
On the waving grass below ; 



Flower Fables* 


Where low, sweet notes of brooding birds 
Stole out on the fragrant air, 

And golden sunlight shone undimmed 
On all most fresh and fair ; 

There bloomed a lovely sisterhood 
Of happy little flowers, 

Together in this pleasant home, 

Through quiet summer hours. 

No rude hand came to gather them, 

No chilling winds to blight ; 

Warm sunbeams smiled on them by day, 
And soft dews fell at night. 

So here, along the brook-side, 

Beneath the green old trees, 

The flowers dwelt among their friends, 
The sunbeams and the breeze. 


CJoveivBlossom. 


I 5 I 

NE morning, as the flowers awoke, 
Fragrant, and fresh, and fair, 

A little worm came creeping by, 
And begged a shelter there. 
“Ah! pity and love me,” sighed 
the worm, 

“ I am lonely, poor, and weak ; 

A little spot for a resting-place, 

Dear flowers, is all I seek. 

I am not fair, and have dwelt unloved 
By butterfly, bird, and bee. 

They little knew that in this dark form 
Lay the beauty they may yet see. 

Then let me lie in the deep green moss, 

And weave my little tomb, 

And sleep my long, unbroken sleep 
’Till Spring’s first flowers come. 

Then will I come in fairer dress, 

And your gentle care repay 
By the grateful love of the humble worm ; 
Kind flowers, O let me stay !” 




T 5 2 


Flower Fables. 


But the wild rose showed her little thorns, 

While her soft face glowed with pride ; 

The violet hid beneath the drooping ferns, 

And the daisy turned aside. 

Little Houstonia scornfully laughed, 

As she danced on her slender stem ; 

While the cowslip bent to the rippling waves, 

And whispered the tale to them. 

A blue-eyed grass looked down on the worm, 

As it silently turned away, 

And cried, “Thou wilt harm our delicate leaves, 
And therefore thou canst not stay.” 

Then a sweet, soft voice called out from far, 

“ Come hither, poor worm, to me ; 

The sun lies warm in this quiet spot, 

And I’ll share my home with thee.” 

The wondering flowers looked up to see 
Who had offered the worm a home; 


CloveivBlossom* 


*53 


WAS a clover-blossom, whose flut- 
tering leaves 

Seemed beckoning him to come; 
It dwelt in a sunny little nook, 
Where cool winds rustled by, 
And murmuring bees and butterflies came, 

On the flower’s breast to lie. 

Down through the leaves the sunlight stole, 
And seemed to linger there, 

As if it loved to brighten the home 
Of one so sweet and fair. 

Its rosy face smiled kindly down, 

As the friendless worm drew near; 

And its low voice, softly whispering said, 

“ Poor thing, thou art welcome here ; 

Close at my side, in the soft green moss, 

Thou wilt find a quiet bed, 

Where thou canst softly sleep till Spring, 

With my leaves above thee spread, 




154 


Flower Fables. 


I pity and love thee, friendless worm, 
Though thou art not graceful or fair ; 

For many a dark unlovely form, 

Hath a kind heart dwelling there ; 

No more o’er the green and pleasant earth, 
Lonely and poor, shalt thou roam, 

For a loving friend hast thou found in me, 
And rest in my little home.” 

Then, deep in its quiet mossy bed, 

Sheltered from sun and shower, 

The grateful worm spun its winter tomb, 

In the shadow of the flower. 

And Clover guarded well its rest, 

Till Autumn’s leaves were sere, 

Till all her sister flowers were gone, 

And her winter sleep drew near. 

Then her withered leaves were softly spread 
O’er the sleeping worm below, 

Ere the faithful little flower lay 
Beneath the winter snow, 


ClovetvBlossom. 


155 


PRING came again, and the flowers 
rose 

.From their quiet winter graves, 
And gayly danced on their slender 
stems, 

And sang with the rippling waves. 

Softly the warm winds kissed their cheeks ; 

Brightly the sunbeams fell, 

As, one by one, they came again 
In their summer homes to dwell. 

And little Clover bloomed once more, 

Rosy, and sweet, and fair, 

And patiently watched by the mossy bed, 

For the worm still slumbered there. 

Then her sister flowers scornfully cried, 

As they waved in the summer air, 

“ The ugly worm was friendless and poor ; 

Little Clover, why shouldst thou care ? 
Then watch no more, nor dwell alone, 

Away from thy sister flowers ; 




Flower Fables* 


Come, dance and feast, and spend with us 
These pleasant summer hours. 

We pity thee, foolish little, flower, 

To trust what the false worm said ; 

He will not come in fairer dress, 

For he lies in the green moss dead.” 

But little Clover still watched on, 

Alone in her sunny home ; 

She did not doubt the poor worm’s truth, 
And trusted he would come. 

At last the small cell opened wide, 

And a glittering butterfly, 

From out the moss, on golden wings, 
Soared up to the sunny sky. 

Then the flowers cried aloud, 

“ Clover, thy watch was in vain ; 

He only sought a shelter here, 

And never will come again.” 


CloveivBlossom* 


*57 


ND the unkind flowers danced for 

j°y> 

When they saw him thus depart; 
For the love of a beautiful butterfly 
Is dear to a flower’s heart. 

They feared he would stay in 
Clover’s home, 

And her tender care repay ; 

So they danced for joy, when at last he rose 
And silently flew away. 

Then little Clover bowed her head, 

While her soft tears fell like dew ; 

For her gentle heart was grieved, to find 
That her sisters’ word was true, 

And the insect she had watched so long 
When helpless, poor, and lone, 

Thankless for all her faithful care, 

On his golden wings had flown. 

But as she drooped, in silent grief! 

She heard little Daisy cry, 

“ O sisters, look ! I see him now, 

Afar in the sunny sky ; 



5 « 


Flower Fables. 


He is floating black from Cloud Land now, 
Borne by the fragrant air 

Spread wide your leaves, that he may choose, 
The flower he deems most fair.” 

Then the Wild Rose glowed with a deeper blush, 
As she proudly waved on her stem ; 

The Cowslip bent to the clear blue waves, 

And made her mirror of them. 

Little Houstonia merrily danced, 

And spread her white leaves wide ; 

While Daisy whispered her joy and hope, 

As she stood by her gay friends’ side. 

Violet peeped from the tall green ferns, 

And lifted her soft blue eye 

To watch the glittering form, that shone 
Afar in the summer sky. 

They thought no more of the ugly worm, 

Who once had wakened their scorn ; 

But looked and longed for the butterfly now, 
As the soft wind bore him on. 


ClovetvBlossom. 


*59 

EARER and nearer the bright 
form came, 

And fairer the blossoms grew ; 
Each welcomed him, in her sweet- 
est tones ; 

Each offered her honey and dew. 

But in vain did they beckon, and smile, and call, 
And wider their leaves unclose ; 

The glittering form still floated on, 

By Violet, Daisy, and Rose. 

Lightly it flew to the pleasant home 
Of the flower most truly fair, 

On Clover’s breast he softly lit, 

And folded his bright wings there. 

“ Dear flower,” the Butterfly whispered low, 

“ Long hast thou waited for me ; 

Now I am come, and my grateful love 
Shall brighten thy home for thee ; 

Thou hast loved and cared for me, when alone, 
Hast watched o’er me long and well ; 




i6o 


Flower Fables* 


And now will I strive to show the thanks 
The poor worm could not tell. 

Sunbeam and breeze shall come to thee, 

And the coolest dews that fall ; 

What e’er a flower can wish is thine, 

For thou art worthy all. 

And the home thou shared with the friendless 
worm 

The butterfly’s home shall be; 

And thou shalt find, dear, faithful flower, 

A loving friend in me.” 

Then through the long, bright summer hours 
Through sunshine and through shower, 
Together in their happy home 
Dwelt butterfly and flower. 

“ Ah, that is very lovely,” cried the Elves, 
gathering round little Sunbeam as she ceased, to 
place a garland in her hair and praise her song. 

“ Now,” said the Queen, “call hither Moonlight 
and Summer Wind, for they have seen many 


CloveivBlossom* 


161 


pleasant things in their long wanderings, and will 
gladly tell us them.” 

“ Most joyfully will we do our best, dear 
Queen,” said the Elves, as they folded their 
wings beside her. 

“Now, Summer-Wind,” said Moonlight, “till 
your turn comes, do you sit here and fan me 
while I tell this tale of 



ii 



In a large and pleasant garden 
sat little Annie all alone, and she 
seemed very sad, for drops that 
were not dew fell fast upon the 
flowers beside her, that looked 
wonderingly up, as if they longed 
to cheer and comfort her. The 
warm wind lifted her shining hair 
and softly kissed her cheek, while 


Little Annie's Dream, or The Fairy Flower* 163 


the sunbeams, looking most kindly in her face, 
made little rainbows in her tears, and lingered 
lovingly about her. But Annie paid no heed to 
sun, or wind, or flower ; still the bright tears fell, 
and she forgot all but sorrow. 

“ Little Annie, tell me why you weep,” said a 
low voice in her ear ; and, looking up, the child 
beheld a little figure standing on a vine-leaf at 
her side ; a lovely face smiled on her, from amid 
bright locks of hair, and shining wings were 
folded on a white and glittering robe, that flut- 
tered in the wind. 

“Who are you, lovely thing?” cried Annie, 
smiling through her tears. 

“ I am a Fairy, little child, and am come to help 
and comfort you ; now tell me why you weep, and 
let me be your friend,” replied the spirit, as she 
smiled more kindly on Annie’s wondering face. 

“And are you really, a little Elf, such as 
I read of in my fairy books ? Do you ride on 
butterflies, sleep in flower-cups, and live among 
the clouds ?” 

“Yes, all these things I do, and many stranger 
Still, that all your fairy books can never tell ; but 


164 


Flower Fables. 


now, dear Annie,” said the Fairy, bending nearer, 
“ tell me why I found no sunshine on your face ; 
why are these great drops shining in the flowers, 
and why do you sit alone when bird and bee are 
calling you to play?” 

“ Ah, you will not love me any more if I should 
tell you all,” said Annie, while the tears began to 
fall again ; “I am not happy, for I am not good ; 
how shall I learn to be a patient, gentle child? 
Good little Fairy, will you teach me?” 

“Gladly will I aid you, Annie, and if you truly 
wish to be a happy child, you must learn to con- 
quer many passions that you cherish now, and 
make your heart a home for the gentle feelings 
and happy thoughts ; the task is hard, but I will 
give this fairy flower to help and counsel you. 
Bend hither, that I may place it in your breast ; 
no hand can take it hence, till I unsay the spell 
that holds it there.” 

And as thus she spoke, the Elf took from her 
bosom a graceful flower, whose snow-white 
leaves shone with a strange light. “This is a 
fairy flower,” said the Elf, “invisible to every eye 
save yours ; now listen while I tell its power, 


Little Annie's Dream, or The Fairy Flower. 165 

Annie. When your heart is filled with loving 
thoughts, when some kindly deed has been done, 
some duty well performed, then from the flower 
there will arise the sweetest, softest fragrance, to 
reward and gladden you. But when an unkind 
word is on your lips, when a selfish, angry feeling 
rises in your heart, or an unkind, cruel deed is to 
be done, then will you hear the soft, low chime 
of^the flower-bell ; listen to its warning, let the 
word remain unspoken, the deed undone, and in 
the quiet joy of your own heart, and the magic 
perfume of your bosom flower, you will find a 
sweet reward.” 

“ O kind and generous Fairy, how can I ever 
thank you for this lovely gift?” cried Annie. “I 
will be true, and listen to my little bell whenever 
it may ring. But shall I never see you more ? 
Ah ! if you would only stay with me, I should 
indeed be good.” 

“ I cannot stay now, little Annie,” said the Elf, 
“ but when another Spring comes round, I shall 
be here again, to see how well the fairy gift has 
done its work. And now farewell, dear child ; be 


r 66 


Flower Fables. 


faithful to yourself, and the magic flower will 
never fade.” 

Then the gentle Fairy folded her little arms 
around Annie’s neck, laid a soft kiss on her cheek, 
and, spreading her shining wings, flew singing up 
among the white clouds floating in the sky. 

And little Annie sat among her flowers, and 
watched with wondering joy the fairy blossoms 
shining on her breast. 

The pleasant days of Spring and Summer 
passed away, and in little Annie’s garden Autumn 
flowers were blooming everywhere, with each 
day’s sun and dew growing still more beautiful 
and bright ; but the fairy flower, that should have 
been the loveliest of all, hung pale and drooping 
on little Annie’s bosom ; its fragrance seemed 
quite gone, and the clear, low music of its warn- 
ing chime rang often in her ear. 

When first the Fairy placed it there, she had 
been pleased with her new gift, and for a while 
obeyed the fairy bell, and often tried to win some 
fragrance from the flower, by kind and pleasant 
words and actions ; then, as the Fairy said, she 
found a sweet reward in the strange, soft perfume 


Little Annie's Dream, or the Fairy Flower. 167 


of the magic blossom, as it shone upon her breast ; 
but selfish thoughts would come to tempt her, she 
would yield, and unkind words fell from her lips, 
and then the flower drooped pale and scentless, the 
fairy bell rang mournfully, Annie would forget 
her better resolutions, and be again a selfish, wil- 
ful little child. 

At last she tried no longer, but grew angry 
with the faithful flower, and would have torn it 
from her breast ; but the fairy spell still held it 
fast, and all her angry words but made it ring a 
louder, sadder peal. Then she paid no heed to 
the silvery music sounding in her ear, and each 
day grew still more unhappy, discontented and 
unkind ; so, when the Autumn days came round, 
she was no better for the gentle Fairy’s gift, 
and longed for Spring, that it might be returned ; 
for now the constant echo of the mournful music 
made her very sad. 

One sunny morning, when the fresh, cool 
winds were blowing, and not a cloud was in the 
sky, little Annie walked among her flowers, look- 
ing carefully into each, hoping thus to find the 
Fairy, who alone could take the magic blossom 


i68 


Flower Fables. 


from her breast. But she lifted up their droop- 
ing leaves, peeped into their dewy cups in vain ; 
no little Elf lay hidden there, and she turned 
sadly from them all, saying, “ I will go out into 
the fields and woods, and seek her there. I 
will not listen to this tiresome music more, nor 
wear this withered flower longer/’ So out into 
the fields she went, where the long grass rustled 
as she passed, and timid birds looked at her from 
their nests ; where lovely wild-flowers nodded in 
the wind, and opened wide their fragrant leaves, 
to welcome in the murmuring bees, while butter- 
flies, like winged flowers, danced and glittered in 
the sun. 

Little Annie looked, searched, and asked them 
all if anyone could tell her of the Fairy whom 
she sought ; but the birds looked wonderingly at 
her with their soft, bright eyes, and still sang 
on ; the flowers nodded wisely on their stems, 
but did not speak, while butterfly and bee buzzed 
and fluttered away, one far too busy, the other 
too idle, to stay and tell her what she asked. 

Then she went through broad fields of yellow 
grain, that waved around her like a golden forest ; 


Little Annie’s Dream, or The Fairy Flower* 169 


here crickets chirped, grasshoppers leaped, and 
busy ants worked, but they could not tell her 
what she longed to know. 

“ Now I will go among the hills,” said Annie, 
“she may be there.” So up and down the green 
hillsides went her little feet ; long she searched 
and vainly she called ; but still no Fairy came. 
Then by the riverside she went, and asked the 
gay dragon-flies and the cool, white lilies, if the 
Fairy had been there ; but the blue waves rippled 
on the white sand at her feet, and no voice 
answered her. 

Then into the forest little Annie went, and as 
she passed along the dim, cool paths, the wood- 
flowers smiled up in her face, gay squirrels peeped 
at her, as they swung amid the vines, and doves 
cooed softly as she wandered by, but none could 
answer her. So weary with her long and useless 
search she sat amid the ferns, and feasted on the 
rosy strawberries that grew beside her, watching 
meanwhile the crimson evening clouds that glowed 
around the setting sun. 

The night wind rustled through the boughs, 
rocking the flowers to sleep ; the wild-birds sang 


70 


Flower Fables. 


their evening hymns, and all within the wood 
grew calm and still ; paler and paler grew the 
purple light, and lower and lower drooped little 
Annie’s head, the tall ferns bent to shield her 
from the dew, the whispering pines sang a soft 
lullaby, and when the Autumn moon rose up, her 
silver light shone on the child, where pillowed on 
green moss, she lay asleep amid the wood-flowers 
in the dim old forest. 

And all night long beside her stood the Fairy 
she had sought, and by elfin spell and charm sent 
to the little child this dream. 

Little Annie dreamed she sat in her own gar- 
den, as she had often sat before, with angry feel- 
ings in her heart, and unkind words upon her lips. 
The magic flower was ringing its soft warning, but 
she paid no heed to anything, save her own 
troubled thoughts ; thus she sat, when suddenly a 
low voice whispered in her ear, — 

“ Little Annie, look and see the evil things that 
you are cherishing ; I will clothe in fitting shapes 
the thoughts and feelings that now dwell within 
your heart, and you shall see how great their 
power becomes, unless you banish them forever.” 


Little Annie's Dream, or The Fairy Flower. 1 7 1 

Then Annie saw, with fear and wonder, that 
the angry words she uttered changed to dark, 
unlovely forms, each showing plainly from what 
fault or passion it had sprung. Some of the 
shapes had scowling faces and bright, fiery eyes ; 
these were the spirits of Anger. Others with 
sullen, anxious looks, seemed gathering up all 
they could reach, and Annie saw that the more 
they gained, the less they seemed to have ; and 
these she knew were shapes of Selfishness. Spirits 
of Pride were there, who folded their shadowy 
garments round them, and turned scornfully from 
all the rest. These and many others little Annie 
saw, which had come from her own heart, and 
taken form before her eyes. 

When first she saw them, they were small and 
weak ; but as she looked they seemed to grow 
and gather strength, and each gained a strange 
power over her. She could not drive them from 
hex sight, and they grew ever stronger, darker, 
and more unlovely to her eyes. They seemed to 
cast black shadows over all around her, to dim 
the sunshine, blight the flowers, and drive away 
all bright and lovely things ; while rising slowly 


17 2 


Flower Fables. 


round her Annie saw a high, dark wall, that 
seemed to shut everything she loved ; she dared 
not move, or speak, but, with a strange fear at 
her heart, sat watching the dim shapes that hov- 
ered round her. 

Higher and higher rose the shadowy wall, 
slowly the flowers near her died, lingeringly the 
sunlight faded ; but at last they both were gone, 
and left her all alone behind the gloomy wall. 
Then the spirits gathered round her, whispering 
strange things in her ear, bidding her obey, for 
by her own will she had yielded up her heart to 
be their home, and she was now their slave. Then 
she could hear no more, but, sinking down among 
the withered flowers, wept sad and bitter tears, 
for her lost liberty and joy ; then through the 
gloom there shone a faint, soft light, and on her 
breast she saw her fairy flower, upon whose snow- 
white leaves her tears lay shining. 

Clearer and brighter grew the radiant light, nil 
the evil spirits turned away to the dark shadow 
of the wall, and left the child alone. 

The light and perfume of the flower seemed 
to bring new strength to Annie, and she rose up, 


Little Annie's Dream, or The Fairy Flower* 173 

saying, as she bent to kiss the blossom on her 
breast, “dear flower, help and guide me now, and 
I will listen to your voice, and cheerfully obey my 
faithful fairy bell.” 

Then in her dream she felt how hard the spirit 
tried to tempt and trouble her, and how, but for her 
flower, they would have led her back, and made 
all dark and dreary as before. Long and hard she 
struggled, and tears often fell ; but after each new 
trial brighter shone her magic flower, and sweeter 
grew its breath, while the spirits lost still more 
powv.x cO tempt her. Meanwhile, green, flower- 
ing vines crept up the high dark wall, and hid its 
roughness from her sight, and over these she 
watched most tenderly, for soon, wherever green 
leaves and flowers bloomed, the wall beneath 
grew weak, and fell apart. Thus little Annie 
worked and hoped, till one by one the evil 
spirits flew away, and in their place came shining 
forms, with gentle eyes and smiling lips, who 
gathered round her with such loving words, and 
brought such strength and joy to Annie’s heart 
that nothing evil dared to enter in ; while slowly 
sank the gloomy wall, and, over wreaths of fra- 


1 74 


Flower Fables. 


grant flowers, she passed out into the pleasant 
world again, the fairy gift no longer pale and 
drooping, but now shining like a star upon her 
breast. 

Then the low voice spoke again in Annie’s 
ear, saying, “The dark, unlovely passions you 
have looked upon are in your heart ; watch well 
while they are few and weak, lest they should 
darken your whole life, and shut out love and 
happiness forever. Remember well the lessons 
of the dream, dear child, and let the shining 
spirits make your heart their home.” 

And with that voice sounding in her ear, little 
Annie woke to find it was a dream ; but like 
other dreams, it did not pass away ; and as she 
sat alone, bathed in the rosy morning light, and 
watched the forest waken into life, she thought 
of the strange forms she had seen, and, looking 
down upon the flower on her breast, she silently 
resolved to strive, as she had striven in her 
dream, to bring back light and beauty to its 
faded leaves, by being what the Fairy hoped to 
render her, a patient, gentle little child. And as 
the thought came to her mind, the flower raised 


Little Annie's Dream, or The Fairy Flower. 175 


its drooping head, and, looking up into the 
earnest little face bent over it, seemed by its fra- 
grant breath to answer Annie’s silent thought, 
and strengthened her for what might come. 

Meanwhile the forest was astir, birds sang 
their gay good-morrows from tree to tree, while 
leaf and flower turned to greet the sun, who rose 
up smiling on the world ; and so beneath the 
forest boughs and through the dewy fields went 
little Annie home, better and wiser for her dream. 

Autumn flowers were dead and gone, yellow 
leaves lay rustling on the ground, bleak winds 
went whistling through the naked trees, and cold, 
white winter snow fell softly down ; yet now, 
when all without looked dark and dreary, on little 
Annie’s breast the fairy flower bloomed more 
beautiful than ever. The memory of her dream 
had never passed away, and through trial and 
temptation she had been true, and kept her reso- 
lution still unbroken ; seldom now did the warning 
bell sound in her ear, and seldom did the flower’s 
fragrance cease to float about her, or the fairy 
light to brighten all whereon it fell. 


176 


Flower Fables. 


So, through the long, cold Winter, Little Annie 
dwelt like a sunbeam in her home, each day grow- 
ing richer in the love of others, and happier in 
herself ; often was she tempted, but, remembering 
her dream, she listened only to the music of the 
fairy bell, and the unkind thought or feeling fled 
away, the smiling spirits of gentleness and love 
nestled in her heart, and all was bright again. 

So better and happier grew the child, fairer 
and sweeter grew the flower, till Spring came 
smiling over the earth, and woke the flowers, set 
free the streams, and welcomed back the birds ; 
then daily did the happy child sit among her 
flowers, longing for the gentle Elf to come again, 
that she might tell her gratitude for all the 
magic gift had done. 

At length one day, as she sat singing in the 
sunny nook where all her fairest flowers bloomed, 
weary with gazing at the far-off sky for the little 
form she hoped would come, she bent to look 
with joyful love upon her bosom flower ; and as 
she looked, its folded leaves spread wide apart, 
and, rising slowly from the deep white cup, ap- 



12 


UTTEE ANNIE AND THE FAIRY 




1 7« 


Flower Fables* 


peared the smiling face of the lovely Elf whose 
coming she had waited for so long. 

“Dear Annie, look for me no longer; I am 
here on your breast, for you have learned to love 
my gift, and it has done its work most faithfully 
and well,” the Fairy said, as she looked into the 
happy child’s bright face, and laid her little arms 
most tenderly about her neck. 

“And now have I brought another gift from 
Fairy Land, as a fit reward for you, dear child,” 
she said, when Annie had told her gratitude and 
love ; then, touching the child with her shining 
wand, the Fairy bid her look and listen silently. 

And suddenly the world seemed changed to 
Annie ; for the air was filled with strange, sweet 
sounds, and all around her floated lovely forms. 
In every flower sat little smiling Elves, singing 
gayly as they rocked amid the leaves. On every 
breeze, bright, airy spirits came floating by ; some 
fanned her cheek with their cool breath, and 
waved her long hair to and fro, while others rang 
the flower-bells, and made a pleasant rustling 
among the leaves. In the fountain, where the 
water danced and sparkled in the sun, astride of 


Little Annie's Dream, or the Fairy Flower. 179 


every drop she saw merry little spirits, who 
plashed and floated in the clear, cool waves, and 
sang as gayly as the flowers, on whom they scat- 
tered glittering dew. The tall trees, as their 
branches rustled in the wind, sang a low, dreamy 
song, while the waving grass was filled with little 
voices she had never heard before. Butterflies 
whispered lovely tales in her ear, and birds sang 
cheerful songs in a sweet language she had never 
understood before. Earth and air seemed filled 
with beauty and with music she had never dreamed 
of until now. 

“ O tell us what it means, dear Fairy ! is it 
another and lovelier dream, or is the earth in 
truth so beautiful as this?” she cried, looking 
with wondering joy upon the Elf, who lay upon 
the flower in her breast. 

“Yes, it is true, dear child,” replied the Fairy, 
“ and few are the mortals to whom we give this 
lovely gift ; what to you is now so full of music 
and light, to others is but a pleasant summer 
world ; they never know the language of butter- 
flies or bird or flower, and they are blind to all 
that I have given you the power to see, These 


i8o 


Flower Fables* 


fair things are your friends and playmates now, 
and they will teach you many pleasant lessons, 
and give you many happy hours ; while the 
garden where you once sat, weeping sad and 
bitter tears, is now brightened by your own hap- 
piness, filled with loving friends by your own 
kindly thoughts and feelings ; and thus rendered 
a pleasant summer home for the gentle, happy 
child, whose bosom flower will never fade. And 
now, dear Annie, I must go ; but every Spring- 
time, with the earliest flowers, will I come again 
to visit you, and bring some fairy gift. Guard 
well the magic flower, that I may find all fair and 
bright when next I come.” 

Then, with a kind farewell, the gentle Fairy 
floated upward through the sunny air, smiling 
down upon the child, until she vanished in the 
soft, white clouds, and little Annie stood alone in 
her enchanted garden, where all was brightened 
with the radiant light, and fragrant with the per- 
fume of her fairy flower. 

When Moonlight ceased, Summer-Wind laid 
down her rose-leaf fan, and, leaning back in her 
acorn cup, told this tale of — < 



Down in the deep blue sea 


lived Ripple, a happy little 
Water-Spirit ; all day long she danced 
beneath the coral arches, made garlands 
of bright ocean flowers, or floated on 
the great waves that sparkled in the 
sunlight ; but the pastime that she 
loved best was lying in the many-colored 
shells upon the shore, listening to the low, 
murmuring music the waves had taught them 
long ago ; and here for hours the little Spirit 



RIPPI.E STARTS ON HER MISSION 


Ripple, The WateivSpirit* 183 

lay watching the sea and sky, while singing gayly 
to herself. 

But when tempests rose, she hastened down 
below the stormy billows, to where all was calm 
and still, and with her sister Spirits waited till 
it should be fair again, listening sadly, mean- 
while, to the cries of those whom the wild waves 
wrecked and cast into the angry sea, and who 
soon came floating down, pale and cold, to the 
Spirits’ pleasant home ; then they wept pitying 
tears above the lifeless forms, and laid them in 
quiet graves, where flowers bloomed, and jewels 
sparkled in the sand. 

This was Ripple’s only grief, and she often 
thought of those who sorrowed for the friends 
they loved, who now slept far down in the dim 
and silent coral caves, and gladly would she have 
saved the lives of those who lay around her ; but 
the great ocean was far mightier than all the ten- 
der-hearted Spirits dwelling in its bosom. Thus 
she could only weep for them, and lay them down 
to sleep where no cruel waves could harm them 
more. 

One day, when a fearful storm raged far and 


184 


Flower Fables. 


wide, and the Spirits saw great billows rolling like 
heavy clouds above their heads, and heard the 
wild winds sounding far away, down through the 
foaming waves a little child came floating to their 
home ; its eyes were closed as if in sleep, the 
long hair fell like seed-weed round its pale, cold 
face, and the little hands still clasped the shells 
they had been gathering on the beach, when the 
great waves swept it into the troubled sea. 

With tender tears the Spirits laid the little 
form to rest upon its bed of flowers, and, singing 
mournful songs, as if to make its sleep more calm 
and deep, watched long and lovingly above it, till 
the storm had died away, and all was still again. 

While Ripple sang above the little child, 
through the distant roar of winds and waves 
she heard a wild, sorrowing voice, that seemed to 
call for help. Long she listened, thinking it was 
but the echo of their own plaintive song, but high 
above the music still sounded the sad, wailing cry. 
Then, stealing silently away, she glided up 
through the foam and spray, till, through the 
parting clouds, the sun shone upon her from 
the tranquil sky, and, guided by the mournful 


Ripple, The WateivSpirit. 185 

sound, she floated on, till, close before her on the 
beach, she saw a woman stretching forth her arms, 
and with a sad, imploring voice praying the rest- 
less sea to give her back the little child it had so 
cruelly borne away. But the waves dashed foam- 
ing up among the bare rocks at her feet, ming- 
ling their cold spray with her tears, and gave no 
answer to her prayer. 

When Ripple saw the mother’s grief, she 
longed to comfort her ; so, bending tenderly 
beside her, where she knelt upon the shore, the 
little Spirit told her how her child lay softly sleep- 
ing, far down in a lovely place, where sorrowing 
tears were shed, and gentle hands lay garlands 
over him. But all in vain she whispered kindly 
words ; the weeping mother only cried : 

“ Dear Spirit, can you use no charm or spell 
to make the waves bring back my child, as full of 
life and strength as when they swept him from 
my side ? O give me back my little child, or let 
me lie beside him in the bosom of the cruel sea.” 

“ Most gladly will I help you if I can, though I 
have little power to use ; then grieve no more, for 
I will search both earth and sea, to find some 


i86 


Flower Fables. 


friend who can bring back all you have lost. 
Watch daily on the shore, and if I do not come 
again, then you will know that my search has 
been in vain. Farewell, poor mother, you shall 
see your little child again, if Fairy power can win 
him back.” And with these words Ripple sprang 
into the sea; while smiling through her tears, the 
woman watched the gentle Spirit, till her bright 
crown vanished in the waves. 

When Ripple reached her home, she hastened 
to the palace of the Queen, and told her of the 
little child, the sorrowing mother, and the promise 
she had made. 

“ Good little Ripple,” said the Queen, when 
she had told her all, “ your promise never can be 
kept ; there is no power below the sea to work 
this charm, and you can never reach the Fire- 
Spirits’ home, to win from them a flame to warm 
the little body into life. I pity the poor mother, 
and I would most gladly help her ; but alas ! I 
am a Spirit like yourself, and cannot serve you 
as I long to do.” 

“ Ah dear Queen ! if you had seen her sorrow, 
you too would seek to keep the promise I have 


Ripple, The WateivSpirih 


*7 


made. I cannot let her watch for me in vain, till 
1 have done my best : then tell me where the 
Fire-Spirits dwell, and I will ask of them the 
flame that shall give life to the little child and 
such happiness to the sad, lonely mother : show 
me the path and let me go.” 

‘‘It is far, far away, high up above the sun, 
where no Spirit ever dared to venture yet,” 
replied the Queen. “I cannot show the path, 
for it is through the air. Dear Ripple, do not go, 
for you can never reach that distant place : some 
harm most surely will befall ; and then how shall 
we live, without our dearest, gentlest Spirit ? 
Stay here with us in your own pleasant home, 
and think no more of this, for I can not let you go.” 

But Ripple would not break the promise she 
had made, and besought so earnestly, and with 
such pleasing words, that the Queen at last with 
sorrow gave consent, and Ripple joyfully prepared 
to go. She, with her sister Spirits, built up a 
tomb of delicate, bright-colored shells, wherein 
the child might lie, till she should come to wake 
him into life ; then, praying them to watch most 
faithfully above it, she said farewell, and floated 


Flower Fables. 


iSS 

bravely forth, on her unknown journey, far away. 

“I will search the broad earth till I find a path 
up to the sun, or some kind friend who will carry 
me ; for, alas ! I have no wings, and cannot glide 
through the blue air as through the sea,” said 
Ripple to herself, as she went dancing over the 
waves, which bore her swiftly onward towards a 
distant shore. 

Long she journeyed through the pathless 
ocean, with no friends to cheer her, save the 
white sea-birds who went sweeping by, and only 
stayed to dip their wise wings at her side, and 
then flew silently away. Sometimes great ships 
sailed by, and then with longing eyes did the little 
Spirit gaze up at the faces that looked down upon 
the sea; for often they were kind and pleasant 
ones, and she gladly would have called to them 
and ask them to be friends. But they would 
never understand the strange, sweet language 
that she spoke, or even see the lovely face that 
smiled at them above the waves ; her blue, trans- 
parent garments were but water to their eyes, and 
the pearl chains in her hair but foam and spark- 
ling spray ; so, hoping that the sea would be most 


Ripple, The WateivSpirit 


189 


gentle with them, silently she floated on her way, 
and left them far behind. 

At length green hills were seen, and the waves 
gladly bore the little Spirit on, till, rippling gently 
over soft white sand, they left her on the pleasant 
shore. 

“Ah, what a lovely place it is?” said Ripple, as 
she passed through the sunny valleys, where 
flowers began to bloom, and young leaves rustled 
on the trees. 

“ Why are you all so gay, dear birds?” she 
asked, as their cheerful voices sounded far and 
near; “is there a festival over the earth, that all 
is so beautiful and bright ? ” 

“Do you know that Spring is coming? the 
warm winds whispered it days ago, and we are 
learning the sweetest songs, to welcome her, when 
she shall come,” sang the lark, soaring away as 
the music gushed from his little throat. 

“And shall I see her, Violet, as she journeys 
over the earth ? ” asked Ripple again. 

“Yes, you will meet her soon, for the sunlight 
told me she was near ; tell her we long to see her 
again, and are waiting to welcome her back,” said 


190 


Flower Fables* 


the blue flower, dancing for joy on her stem, as 
she nodded and smiled on the Spirit. 

“I will ask Spring where the Fire-Spirits 
dwell ; she travels over the earth each year, and 
surely can show me the way,” thought Ripple, as 
she went journeying on. 

Soon she saw Spring come smiling over the 
earth ; sunbeams and breezes floated before, and 
then, with her white garments covered with flow- 
ers, with wreaths in her hair, and dew-drops and 
seeds falling fast from her hands, the beautiful 
season came singing by. 

“ Dear Spring, will you listen, and help a poor 
little Spirit, who seeks far and wide for the Fire- 
Spirits’ home?” cried little Ripple ; and then told 
why she was there, and begged her to tell what 
she sought. 

“The Fire-Spirits’ home is far, far away, and I 
cannot guide you there ; but Summer is coming 
behind me,” said Spring, “and she may know 
better than I. But I will give you a breeze to 
help you on your way ; it will never tire or fail, 
but bear you easily over land and sea. Farewell, 
little Spirit ! I would gladly do more, but voices 


Ripple, The WateivSpirit. 19 1 

are calling me far and wide, and I cannot stay.” 

“Many thanks, kind Spring !” cried Ripple, as 
she floated away on the breeze ; “give a kindly 
word to the mother who waits on the shore, and 
tell her I have not forgotten my vow, but hope 
soon to see her again.” 

Then Spring flew on with her sunshine and 
flowers, and Ripple went swiftly over hill and 
vale, till she came to the land where Summer was 
dwelling. Here the sun shone down on early 
fruit, the winds blew freshly over fields of fragrant 
hay, and rustled with pleasant sound among the 
green leaves in the forests ; heavy dews fell softly 
down at night, and long, bright days brought 
strength and beauty to the blossoming earth. 

“ Now I must seek for Summer,” said Ripple, 
as she sailed slowly through the sunny sky. 

“ I am here, what would you with me, little 
Spirit?” said a musical voice in her ear; and, 
floating by her side, she saw a graceful form, with 
green robes fluttering in the air, whose pleasant 
face looked kindly on her, from beneath a crown 
of golden sunbeams that cast a warm, bright glow 
on all beneath. 


192 


Flower Fables* 


Then Ripple told her tale, and asked where 
she should go ; but Summer answered : 

“I can tell no more than my young sister 
Spring where you may find the Spirits that you 
seek ; but I too, like her, will give you a gift to 
aid you. Take this sunbeam from my crown ; it 
will cheer and brighten the most gloomy path 
through which you may pass. Farewell ! I shall 
carry tidings of you to the watcher by the sea, if 
in my journey round the world I find her there.” 

And Summer, giving her the sunbeam, passed 
away over the distant hills, leaving al] green and 
bright behind her. 

So Ripple journeyed on again, till the earth 
below her shone with yellow harvests waving in 
the sun, and the air was filled with cheerful voices, 
as the reapers sang among the fields or in the 
pleasant vineyards, where purple fruit hung 
gleaming through the leaves ; while the sky above 
was cloudless, and the changing forest-trees shone 
like a many-colored garland, over hill and plain ; 
and here, along the ripening corn-fields, with 
bright wreaths of crimson leaves and golden 
wheat-ears in her hair and on her purple mantle, 


Ripple, The WatetvSpirit. 193 

stately Autumn passed, with a happy smile on her 
calm face, as she went scattering generous gifts 
from her full arms. 

But when the wandering Spirit came to her, 
and asked for what she sought, this season, like 
the others, could not tell her where to go ; so, 
giving her a yellow leaf, Autumn said, as she 
passed on, 

“Ask Winter, little Ripple, when you come to 
his cold home ; he knows the Fire-Spirits well, for 
when he comes they fly to the earth, to warm and 
comfort those dwelling there ; and perhaps he can 
tell you where they are. So take this gift of 
mine, and when you meet his chilly winds, fold it 
about you, and sit warm beneath its shelter, till 
you come to sunlight again. I will carry comfort 
to the patient woman, as my sisters have already 
done, and tell her you are faithful still.” 

Then went on the never-tiring Breeze, over 
forest, hill, and field, till the sky drew dark, and 
bleak winds whistled by. Then Ripple, folded in 
the soft, warm leaf, looked sadly down on the 
earth, that seemed to lie so desolate and still be- 
neath its shroud of snow, and thought how bitter 
*3 


194 


Flower Fables* 


cold the leaves and flowers must be ; for the little 
Water-Spirit did not know that Winter spread a 
soft white covering above their beds that they 
might safely sleep below till Spring should waken 
them again. So she went sorrowfully on, till 
Winter, riding on a strong North-Wind, came 
rushing by, with a sparkling ice-crown in his 
streaming hair, while from beneath his crimson 
cloak, where glittering frost-work shone like 
silver threads, he scattered snow-flakes far and 
wide. 

“What do you seek with me, fair little Spirit, 
that you come so bravely here amid my ice and 
snow ? Do not fear me ; I am warm at heart, 
though rude and cold without,” said Winter, 
looking kindly on her, while a bright smile shone 
like sunlight on his pleasant face, as it glowed 
and glistened in the frosty air. 

When Ripple told him why she had come, he 
pointed upward, where the sunlight dimly shone 
through the heavy clouds, saying, 

“ Far off there, beside the sun, is the Fire- 
Spirits’ home ; and the only path is up through 
cloud and mist. It is a long, strange path for a 


Ripple, The WateivSpirit. 


r 95 


lonely little Spirit to be going ; the Fairies are wild, 
wilful things, and in their play may harm and 
trouble you. Come back with me, and do not go 
this dangerous journey to the sky. I’ll gladly 
bear you home again, if you will come.” 

But Ripple said, “ I cannot turn back now, 
when I am nearly there. The Spirits surely will 
not harm me, when I tell them why I am come ; 
and if I win the flame, I shall be the happiest 
Spirit in the sea, for my promise will be kept, and 
the poor mother happy once again. So farewell, 
Winter ! Speak to her gently, and tell her to 
hope still, for I shall surely come.” 

“Adieu, little Ripple ! May good angels 
watch above you ! journey bravely on, and take 
this snow-flake that will never melt, as my gift,” 
Winter cried, as the North-Wind bore him on, 
leaving a cloud of falling snow behind. 

“Now, dear Breeze,” said Ripple, “fly straight 
upward through the air, until we reach the place 
we have long been seeking ; Sunbeam shall go 
before to light the way, Yellow-leaf shall shelter 
me from heat and rain, while Snow-flake shall lie 
here beside me till it comes of use. So farewell 


196 


Flower Fables. 


to the pleasant earth, until we come again. And 
now away, up to the sun !” 

When Ripple first began her airy journey, all 
was dark and dreary ; heavy clouds lay piled like 
hills around her, and a cold mist filled the air ; 
but the Sunbeam, like a star, lit up the way, the 
leaf lay warmly round her, and the tireless wind 
went swiftly on. Higher and higher they floated 
up, still darker and darker grew the air, closer 
the damp mist gathered, while the black clouds 
rolled and tossed, like great waves, to and fro. 

“ Ah ! ” sighed the weary little Spirit, “ shall I 
never see the light again, or feel the warm winds 
on my cheek ? It is a dreary way indeed, and but 
for the Season’s gifts I should have perished long 
ago ; but the heavy clouds must pass away at 
last, and all be fair again. So hasten on, good 
Breeze, and bring me quickly to my journey’s 
end.” 

Soon the cold vapors vanished from her path, 
and sunshine shone upon her pleasantly ; so she 
went gayly on, till she came among the stars, 
where many new, strange sights were to be seen. 
With wondering eyes she looked upon the bright 


Ripple, The Water ✓Spirit. 


*97 


worlds that once seemed dim and distant, when 
she gazed upon them from the sea ; but now they 
moved around her, some shining with a softly 
radiant light, some circled with bright, many-col- 
ored rings, while others burned with a red, angry 
glare. Ripple would have gladly stayed to watch 
them longer, for she fancied low, sweet voices 
called her, and lovely faces seemed to look upon 
her as she passed ; but higher up still, nearer to 
the sun, she saw a far-off light, that glittered like 
a brilliant star, and seemed to cast a rosy glow 
along the sky. 

“The Fire-Spirits surely must be there, and I 
must stay no longer here,” said Ripple. So 
steadily she floated on, till straight before her lay 
a broad, bright path, that led up to a golden arch, 
beyond which she could see shapes flitting to and 
fro. As she drew near, brighter glowed the sky, 
hotter and hotter grew the air, till Ripple’s leaf- 
cloak shrivelled up, and could no longer shield 
her from the heat ; then she unfolded the white 
snow-flake, and, gladly wrapping the soft, cool 
mantle round her, entered through the shining 
arch. 


198 


Flower Fables. 


Through the red mist that floated all around 
her, she could see high walls of changing light, 
where orange, blue, and violet flames went 
flickering to and fro, making graceful figures as 
they danced and glowed ; and underneath these 
rainbow arches, little Spirits glided, far and near, 
wearing crowns of fire, beneath which flashed 
their wild, bright eyes, and as they spoke, sparks 
dropped quickly from their lips, and Ripple saw 
with wonder, through their garments of trans- 
parent light, that in each Fairy’s breast there 
burned a steady flame, that never wavered or 
went out. 

As thus she stood, the Spirits gathered round 
her, and their hot breath would have scorched 
her, but she drew the snow-cloak closer round 
her, saying, 

“Take me to your Queen, that I may tell her 
why I am here, and ask for what I seek.” 

So through the long walls of many-colored fire, 
they led her to a Spirit fairer than the rest, whose 
crown of flames waved to and fro like golden 
plumes, while, underneath her violet robe, the 
light within her breast glowed bright and strong. 


Ripple, The WateivSpirit. 


199 


“This is our Queen,” the Spirits said, bending 
low before her, as she turned her gleaming eyes 
upon the stranger they had brought. 

Then Ripple told how she wandered round 
the world in search of them, how the Seasons had 
most kindly helped her on, by giving Sunbeam, 
Breeze, Leaf, and Flake, and how through many 
dangers, she had come at last to ask of them the 
magic flame that could give life to the little child 
again. 

When she had told her tale, the Spirits whis- 
pered earnestly among themselves, while sparks 
fell thick and fast with every word ; at length the 
Fire-Queen said aloud, 

“We cannot give you the flame you ask, for 
each of us must take a part of it from our own 
breasts, and this we will not do, for the brighter 
our bosom-fire burns, the lovelier we are. So do 
not ask us for this thing ; but any other gift we 
will most gladly give, for we feel kindly towards 
you, and will serve you in any way.” 

But Ripple asked no other boon, and weeping 
sadly, begged them not to send her back without 
the gift she had come so far to gain. 


200 


Flower Fables. 


“ O dear warm-hearted Spirts ! give me each a 
little light from your own breasts, and surely they 
will glow brighter for this kindly deed ; and I will 
thankfully repay it if I can.” As thus she spoke, 
the Queen, who had spied out a chain of jewels 
Ripple wore upon her neck, replied : 

“If you will give me those bright, sparkling 
stones, I will bestow on you a part of my own 
flame ; for we have no such lovely things to wear 
about our necks, and I desire much to have them. 
Will you give it to me for what I offer, little 
Spirit ?” 

Joyfully Ripple gave her the chain; but, as 
soon as it touched her hand, the jewels melted 
like snow, and fell in bright drops to the ground ; 
at this the Queen’s eyes flashed, and the Spirits 
gathered angrily about poor Ripple, who looked 
sadly at the broken chain, and thought in vain 
what she could give, to win the thing she longed 
so earnestly for. 

“1 have many fairer gems than these, in my 
home below the sea ; and I will bring all I can 
gather far and wide, if you will grant my prayer, 
and give me what I seek,” she said, turning 


Ripple, The Water /Sp if it. 


201 


gently to the fiery Spirits, who were hovering 
fiercely around her. 

“ Vou must bring us each a jewel that will 
never vanish from our hands as these have done,” 
they said, “and we will each give of our fire ; and 
when the child is brought to life, you must bring 
hither all the jewels you can gather from the 
depths of the sea, that we may try them here 
among the flames ; but if they melt away like 
these, then we shall keep you prisoner, till you 
give us back the light we lend. If you consent to 
this, then take our gift, and journey home again ; 
but fail not to return, or we shall seek you out.” 

And Ripple said she would consent, though 
she knew not if the jewels could be found ; still, 
thinking of the promise she had made, she forgot 
all else, and told the Spirits what they asked most 
surely should be done* So each one gave a little 
of the fire from their breasts, and placed the 
flame in a crystal vase, through which it glittered 
like a star. 

Then bidding her remember all she had prom- 
ised them, they led her to the golden arch, and 
said farewell. 


202 


Flower Fables. 


So, down along the shining path, through mist 
and cloud, she travelled back ; till, far below, she 
saw the broad blue sea* she left so long ago. 

Gladly she plunged into the clear, cool waves, 
and floated back to her pleasant home, where the 
Spirits gathered joyfully about her, listening with 
tears and smiles, as she told all her many wan- 
derings, and showed the crystal vase that she had 
brought. 

“Now come,” said they, “and finish the good 
work you have so bravely carried on.” So to the 
quiet tomb they went, where, like a marble image, 
cold and still, the little child was lying. Then 
Ripple placed the flame upon his breast, and 
watched it gleam and sparkle there, while light 
came slowly back into the once dim eyes, a rosy 
glow shone over the pale face, and breath stole 
through the parted lips ; still brighter and 
warmer burned the magic fire, until the child 
awoke from his long sleep, and looked in smiling 
wonder at the faces bending over him. 

Then Ripple sang for joy, and, with her sister 
Spirits, robed the child in graceful garments, 
woven of bright sea-weed, while in his shining 


Ripple, The WateivSpirit. 


203 


hair they wreathed long garlands of their fairest 
flowers, and on his little arms hung chains of 
brilliant shells. 

“Now come with us, dear child,” said Ripple ; 
“we will bear you safely up into the sunlight and 
pleasant air ; for this is not your home, and 
yonder, on the shore, there waits a loving friend 
for you.” 

So up they went, through foam and spray, till 
on the beach, where the fresh winds played 
among her falling hair, and the waves broke 
sparkling at her feet, the lonely mother still stood 
gazing wistfully across the sea. Suddenly, upon 
a great blue billow that came rolling in, she saw 
the Water-Spirits smiling on her ; and high aloft, 
in their white gleaming arms, her child stretched 
forth his hands to welcome her ; while the little 
voice she so longed to hear again cried gayly, 

“See, dear mother, I am come; and look 
what lovely things the gentle Spirits gave, that I 
might seem more beautiful to you.” 

Then gently the great wave broke, and rolled 
back to the sea, leaving Ripple on the shore, and 
the child clasped in his mother’s arms. 


204 


Flower Fables* 


“ O faithful little Spirit ! I would gladly give 
some precious gift to show my gratitude for this 
kind deed, but I have nothing save this chain of 
little pearls ; they are the tears I shed, and the 
sea has changed them thus, that I might offer 
them to you,” the happy mother said, when her 
first joy was passed, and Ripple turned to go. 

“Yes, I will gladly wear your gift, and look 
upon it as my fairest ornament,” the Water-Spirit 
said, and with the pearls upon her breast she left 
the shore, where the child was playing gayly to 
and fro, and the mother’s glad smile shone upon 
her, till she sank beneath the waves. 

And now another task was to be done ; her 
promise to the Fire-Spirits must be kept. So far 
and wide she searched among the caverns of the 
sea, and gathered all the brightest jewels shining 
there, and then upon her faithful Breeze once 
more went journeying through the sky. 

The Spirits gladly welcomed her, and led her 
to the Queen, before whom she poured out the 
sparkling gems she had gathered with such toil 
and care, but when the Spirits tried to form them 
into crowns, they trickled from their hands like 


Ripple, The WateivSpirit. 


205 


colored drops of dew, and Ripple saw with fear 
and sorrow how they melted one by one away, 
till none of all the many she had brought re- 
mained. Then the Fire-Spirits looked upon her 
angrily, and when she begged them to be merciful, 
and let her try once more saying, 

Do not keep me prisoner here. I cannot 
breathe the flames that give you life, and but for 
this snow-mantle I too should melt away, and 
vanish like the jewels in your hands. O dear 
Spirits, give me some other task, but let me go 
from this warm place, where all is strange and 
fearful to a Spirit of the sea.” 

They would not listen, and drew nearer, say- 
ing, while bright sparks showered from their lips. 
“We will not let you go, for you have promised 
to be ours if the gems you brought proved worth- 
less ; so fling away this cold white cloak, and 
bathe with us in the fire fountains, and help us 
bring back to our bosom flames and light we gave 
you for the child.” 

Then Ripple sank down on the burning floor, 
and felt that her life was nearly done ; for she 
well knew the hot air of the fire-palace would be 


2o6 


Flower Fables. 


death to her. The Spirits gathered round, and 
began to lift her mantle off ; but underneath they 
saw the pearl chain, shining with a clear, soft 
light, that only glowed more brightly when they 
laid their hands upon it. 

“ O give us this ! ” cried they ; “ it is far love- 
lier than all the rest, and does not melt away like 
them ; and see how brilliantly it glitters in our 
hands. If we may have but this, all will be well, 
and you are once more free.” 

And Ripple, safe again beneath her snow-flake, 
gladly gave the chain to them ; and told them how 
the pearls they now placed proudly on their 
breasts were formed of tears, which but for them 
might still be flowing. Then the Spirits smiled 
most kindly on her, and would have put their 
arms about her, and have kissed her cheek, but 
she drew back, telling them that every touch of 
theirs was like a wound to her. 

“Then, if we may not tell our pleasure so, we 
will show it in a different way, and give you a 
pleasant journey home. Come out with us,” the 
Spirits said, “and see the bright path we have 
made for you.” So they led her to a lofty gate, 


Ripple, The WatetvSpirit* 


207 


and here, from sky to earth, a lovely rainbow 
arched its radiant colors in the sun. 

“This is indeed a pleasant road,” said Ripple. 

“ Thank you, friendly Spirits, for your care ; 
and now farewell. I would gladly stay yet 
longer, but we cannot dwell together, and I am 
longing sadly for my own cool home. Now 
Sunbeam, Breeze, Leaf, and Flake, fly back to 
the Seasons whence you came, and tell them 
that, thanks to their kind gifts, Ripple’s work at 
last is done.” 

Then down along the shining pathway spread 
before her, the happy little Spirit glided to the 
sea. “Thanks, dear Summer-Wind,” said the 
Queen; “we will remember the lessons you 
have each taught us, and when next we meet 
in Fern Dale, you shall, tell us more. And 
now, dear Trip, call them from the lake, for 
the moon is sinking fast, and we must hasten 
home.” 

The Elves gathered about their Queen, and 
while the rustling leaves were still, and the flow- 
ers’ sweet voices mingling with their own, they 
sang this 



O’er the sleeping earth we silently pass, 
Unseen by mortal eye, 


Fairy Song, 

The moonlight fades from flower and 
tree, 

And the stars dim one by one ; 

The tale is told, the song is sung, 

And the Fairy feast is done. 

The night-wind rocks the sleeping 
flowers, 

And sings to them, soft and low. 

The early birds erelong will wake : 

’Tis time for the Elves to go. 


Fairy Songo 


209 


And send sweet dreams, as we lightly float 
Through the quiet moonlit sky ; 

For the stars’ soft eyes alone may see, 
And the flowers alone may know, 

The feast we hold, the tales we tell : 

So’t is time for the Elves to go. 

From bird, and blossom, and bee, 

We learn the lesson they teach ; 

And seek, by kindly deeds, to win 
A loving friend in each. 

And though unseen on earth we dwell, 
Sweet voices whisper low, 

And gentle hearts most joyously greet 
The Elves where’er they go. 

When next we meet in the Fairy dell, 

May the silver moon’s soft light 
Shine then on faces gay as now, 

And Elfin hearts as light. 

14 


2 10 


Flower Fables* 


Now spread each wing, for the eastern sky 
With sunlight soon will glow. 

The morning star will light us home : 
Farewell ! for the Elves must go. 

As the music ceased, with soft, rustling sound 
the Elves spread their shining wings, and flew 
silently over the sleeping earth ; the flowers 
closed their bright eyes, the little winds were 
still, for the feast was over, and the Fairy lessons 
ended. 


THE END. 



ALTEMUS’ YOUNG PEOPLE’S LIBRARY. 


ROBINSON CRUSOE: His Life and Strange, Sur- 
prising Adventures. With 70 beautiful illustrations 
by Walter Paget. J 

“ Was there ever anything written that the reader wished longer ex- 
cept Robinson Crusoe and Pilgrim’s Progress? ” — Samuel Johnson. 

“ There exists no work, either of instruction or entertainment, which 
aas been more generally read, and universally admired.” — Walter Scott. 

ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND. 

With 42 illustrations by John Tenniel. 

“ Lewis Carroll’s immortal story.” — Athenaeum. 

“The most delightful of children’s stories. Elegant and delicious 
nonsense.” — Saturday Review. 

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS AND WHAT 
ALICE FOUND THERE. {A companion to Alice 
in Wonderland.) With 50 illustrations by John 
Tenniel. 

“Will fairly rank with the tale of her previous experience.”— Daily 
Telegraph. . . . “ Many of Tenniel’s designs are masterpieces of wise 
absurdity.” — Athenaeum. . . . “ Not a whit inferior to its predecessor 
in grand extravagance of imagination, and delicious allegorical non- 
sense.” — Quarterly Review. 

BUNYAN’S PILGRIM’S PROGRESS. With 50 full- 

page and text illustrations. 

Pilgrim’s Progress is the most popular story book in the world. 
With the exception of the Bible it has been translated into more lan- 
guages than any other book ever printed. 

A CHILL'S STORY OF THE BIBLE. With 72 full. 

page illustrations. 

Tells in simple language and in a form fitted for the hands of the 
younger members of the Christian flock, the tale of God’s dealings with 
his Chosen People under the Old Dispensation, with its foreshadowings 
of the coming of that Messiah who was to make all mankind one fold 
inder one Shepherd. 

A CHILD’S LIFE OF CHRIST. With 49 illustrations. 

God has implanted in the infant heart a desire to hear of Jesus, and 
children are early attracted and sweetly riveted by the wonderful Story 
of the Master from the Manger to the Throne. 

In this little book we have brought together from Scripture every in- 
cident, expression and description, within the verge of their comprehen- 
sion in the effort to weave them into a memorial garland of their Saviour. 


CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS AND THE DISCOV- 
ERY OF AMERICA. With 70 illustrations. 

It. is the duty of every American lad to know the story of Christopher 
Columbus. In this book is depicted the story of his life and struggles; 
of his persistent solicitations at the Courts of Europe, and his contemptu- 
ous receptions by the learned Geographical Councils, until his final em- 
ployment by Queen Isabella. Records the day-by-day journeyings while 
he was pursuing his aim and perilous way over the shoreless Ocean, until 
he “gave to Spain a New World.” Shows his progress through Spain on 
the occasion of his first return, when he was received with rapturous 
demonstrations and more than regal homage. His displacement by the 
Odjeas, Ovandos and Bobadilas; his last return in chains, and the story 
oi his death in poverty and neglect. 

One distinguishing feature of this edition is, that many of the illus- 
trations are copies from DeBry’sand Herrara’s histories, which were com- 
piled by authority of the King of Spain, showing the Indians, in their 
Life and customs, as they appeared to the early discoverers. 

LIVES 0E THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED 
STATES. Compiled from authoritative sources. With 
portraits of the Presidents ; and also of the unsuccessful 
candidates for the office; as well as the ablest of the 
Cabinet officers. 

This book should be in every home and school library. It tells, in an 
impartial way ? the story of thepolitical history of the United States, from 
the first Constitutional convention till the last Presidential nominations, 
it is just the hook for intelligent boys, and it will help to make them 
intelligent and patriotic citizens. 

GULLIVER’S TRAVELS INTO SOME REMOTE 
REGIONS OF THE WORLD. With 50 illustra- 
tions. v. 

In description, even of the most common-place things, his power is 
often perfectly marvellous. Macaulay says of Swift : “ Under a plain 
garb and ungainly deportment were concealed some of the choicest gifts 
that ever have been bestowed on any of the children of men, — rare 
powers of observation, brilliant art, grotesque invention, humor of the 
most austere flavor, yet exquisitely delicious, eloquence singularly pure, 
manly, and perspicuous.” 

MOTHER GOOSE’S RHYMES, JINGLES, AND 
FAIRY TALES. With 300 illustrations. 

“ In this edition an excellent choice has been made from the standard 
fiction of the little ones. The abundant pictures are well drawn and 
graceful, the effect frequently striking and always decorative.” — Critic. 

. . . “ Only to see the book is to wish to give it to every child one 
knows. ” — Queen. 

THE FABLES OF iESOP. Compiled from the best 
accepted sources. With 62 illustrations. 

The fables of iEsoP are among the very earliest compositions of this 
kind, and probably have never been surpassed for point and brevity, a 9 

KD 1 58 


well as for toe practical good sense tney display. In their grotesque 
grace, in their quaint humor, in their trust in the simpler virtues, 
in their insight into the cruder vices, in their innocence of the fact 
of sex, iEsop’s Fables are as little children — and for that reason 
they will ever find a home in the heaven of little children’s souls. 

THE STORY OF ADVENTURE IN THE FROZEN 

SEAS* With 70 illustrations. Compiled from author-* 
ized sources. 

We have here brought together the records of the attempts to reach 
the North Pole. Our object being to recall the stories of the early voy- 
agers, and to narrate the recent efforts of gallant adventurers of various 
nationalities to cross the “unknown and inaccessible” threshold; and 
to show how much can be accomplished by indomitable pluck and steady 
perseverance. Portraits and numerous illustrations help the narration. 

The North Polar region is the largest, as it is the most important field 
of discovery that remains for this generation to work out. As Frobisher 
declared nearly three hundred and fifty years ago, it is “ the only great 
thing left undone in the world.” Every year diminishes the extent of 
the unknown ; and there is a bare likelilK d that Dr. Nansen has already 
explored the hitherto unexplorable. 

THE STORY OF EXPLORATION AND DIS- 
COVERY IN AFRICA. With 80 illustrations. 

Accords the experiences of adventures, privations, sufferings, trials, 
dangers, and discoveries in developing the “ Dark Continent,” from the 
early days of Bruce and Mungo Park down to Livingstone a n .d Stanley 
and the heroes of our own times. 

The reader becomes carried away by conflicting emotions of wonder 
and sympathy, and feels compelled to pursue the story, which he cannot 
lay down. No present can be more acceptable than suen a volume as this, 
where courage, intrepidity, resource and devotion are so pleasantly 
mingled. It is very fully illustrated with pictures worthy of the book. 

THE SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON, or the Adven- 
tures of a Shipwrecked Family on an Uninhab- 
ited Island. With 50 illustrations. 

A remarkable tale of adventnre that will interest the bovs and girls. 
The father of the family tells the tale and the vicissitudes through 
which he and his wife and children pass, the wonderful discoveries they 
make, and the dangers they encounter. It is a standard work of adven- 
ture that has the favor of all who have read it. 

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS ENTERTAINMENTS. 

With 50 illustrations. Contains the most favorably 
known of the stories. 

The text is somewhat abridged and edited for the young. It forms an 
excellent introduction to those immortal tales which have helped bo 
long to keep the weary world young. 


ILLUSTRATED NATURAL HISTORY. By the Rev. 

J. G. Wood. With 80 illustrations. 

Wood’s Natural History needs no commendation. Its author has 
done more than any other writer to popularize the study. His work is 
known and admired over all the civilized world. The sales of his works 
in England and America have been enormous. The illustrations in this 
edition are entirely new, striking, and life-like. 


A CHILD’S HISTORY OF ENGLAND. By Charles 
Dickens. With 50 illustrations. 

Dickens grew tired of listening to his children memorizing the old- 
fashioned twaddle that went under the name of English history. He 
thereupon wrote a book, in his own peculiarly happy style, primarily 
for the educational advantage of his own children, but was prevailed upon 
to publish the work, and make its use general. Its success was instanta* 
neous and abiding. 

BLACK BEAUTY ; The Autobiography of a Horse. 

By Anna Sewell. With 50 illustrations. 

This new illustrated edition is sure to command attention. Wher- 
ever children are, whether boys or girls, there this Autobiography should 
be. It inculcates habits of kindness to all members of the animal crea- 
tion. The literary merit of the book is excellent. 

GRIMM’S FAIRY TALES. With 50 Illustrations. 

These Tales of the Brothers Grimm have carried their names into 
every household of the civilized world. 

The Tales are a wonderful collection, as interesting, from a literary 
point of view, as they are delightful as stories. 

ANDERSEN’S FAIRY TALES. By Hans Christian 
Andersen. With 77 illustrations. 

The spirit of high moral teaching, and the delicacy of sentiment, feel- 
ing, and expression that pervade these tales make these wonderful crea- 
tions not only attractive to the young, but equally acceptable to those of 
mature years, who are able to understand their real significance and ap- 
preciate the depth of their meaning. 

FLOWER FABLES. By Louisa May Alcott. With 
colored and plain illustrations. 

A series of very 
ican story-tellers. 

GRANDFATHER’S CHAIR : A History for Youth. 

By Nathaniel Hawthorne. With 60 illustrations. 

The story of America from the landing of the Puritans to the acknowl- 
edgment without reserve of the Independence of the United States, 
told with all the elegance, simplicity, grace, clearness, and force for 
which Hawthorne is conspicuously noted, 


interesting fairy tales by the most charming of Amer- 







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